The idea of being a ‘Bad Guy’ as a parent is a rather common trope in many coming-of-age movies. Netflix takes that concept and runs with it in their new family comedy Yes Day starring Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez and Jenna Ortega.

Allison Torres was never afraid of saying yes to new experiences. Travelling alone in a different country? Yes. Rock climbing? Yes. Skydiving? Absolutely. However when she became a mum to her three children: Katie, Nando and Ellie, all of those yes’s quickly turned into no’s. As every parent will know, her caution comes from a place of love and protection but her children, in their infinite wisdom, don’t see it that way.

When Allison and her husband Carlos are called in to the school for a parent-teacher conference, they are shocked to discover that both Katie and Nando have submitted schoolwork referring to their mum as a dictator. Upset by their accusations and frustrated with the lack of support from her husband, Allison agrees to give the family a Yes Day. Twenty-four hours where the word ‘No’ is not allowed, with the exception of a few key ground rules. If that wasn’t enough, Allison agrees to a wager with her fourteen year old daughter. If she can go the whole day without saying no, Katie will be allowed to go to Fleekfest, a music festival, without her mother as a chaperone. With relative free rein, and teenage independence at stake, the children set about creating a list of their five Big Asks and the game is afoot…

Although the story itself may be a little predictable and safe, it is ultimately fun, heart-warming and well balanced, with great pacing. Considering all the possibilities, and the limitless imagination of children, it would have been very easy for the writers to go over board into the realms of absurdity but instead they pare it back into something that resembles a Hollywood version of wish fulfilment. I mean, I can’t be the only one who has a split second urge to open the windows every time I go through a car wash, and who wouldn’t prefer ice cream for breakfast instead of something healthy and nutritious.

Despite the cookie-cutter story, what prevents Yes Day from becoming a run of the mill film is the great performances from the whole cast. Everly Carganilla, as Ellie, is the typically adorable butter-wouldn’t-melt youngest child and Julian Lerner is Nando, the nerdy middle child who enjoys making a mess. Edgar Ramirez gave a solid performance as Carlos and had a great chemistry with Garner but ultimately this is a film that centres around the mother-daughter relationship, and the tension that the angsty teenage years bring.

Ultimately, it is this relationship that makes the film work so well, with both Jennifer Garner and Jenna Ortega giving sparkling performances in their respective roles. Ortega expertly balances the sassy ‘I’m old enough to do what I want’ teen with the ‘I still enjoy ice cream and rollercoasters’ child that secretly resides in us all, and Garner is clearly having a ball, channeling a performance that will make fans of 13 Going on 30 whoop and cheer.

Ultimately, there isn’t anything new or ground-breaking about Yes Day but it is a thoroughly enjoyable watch and a great reminder – no matter how old you may be – not to always take life so seriously. Once the global pandemic is over and life returns to some semblance of normality, it is time for us to say start saying yes again.

Yes Day is available to stream on Netflix.