Unwrapping ‘Dash & Lily’: Austin Abrams on Holiday Magic, Unseen Connections, and Netflix’s Perfect Christmas Romance

As the holiday season draws near, one of Netflix’s most charming and heartwarming offerings, Dash & Lily, continues to captivate audiences. This delightful holiday romance series, an adaptation of the beloved book series by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, invites viewers into a whimsical Christmastime New York City. At its core is the burgeoning relationship between the cynical yet endearing Dash and the perpetually optimistic Lily. Their unique courtship unfolds not through face-to-face encounters, but through a shared notebook, passed back and forth across the city, filled with daring challenges, personal dreams, and intimate revelations.

For a significant portion of the series, Dash and Lily remain physically separate, their connection deepening purely through the honesty and vulnerability of their written words. This unconventional approach to romance offers a refreshing departure from modern dating complexities, creating a palpable emotional bond even before they meet. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to delve into the heart of this enchanting series with Austin Abrams, who masterfully portrays Dash. In our candid conversation, Abrams shared his insights on exploring a relationship unburdened by social media, the profound impact of Dash and Lily’s initial, unwitting encounter at a Christmas Eve party, and the enduring charm that makes Dash & Lily a quintessential holiday treat.

Why Austin Abrams Was Drawn to the Complex Character of Dash

HollywoodLife: You’ve taken on a variety of diverse roles recently, from the intense drama of Euphoria to the emotional depths of This Is Us and the poignant narrative of Chemical Hearts. What specifically about Dash’s character in Dash & Lily captivated you and made you want to bring him to life?
Austin Abrams: For me, it always starts with the story. I thought the narrative for Dash & Lily was incredibly strong and unique. Beyond that, I was genuinely excited by the caliber of the production team involved. Having Shawn Levy from 21 Laps Entertainment at the helm, known for groundbreaking projects like Stranger Things and Arrival, was a huge draw. His reputation as a fantastic producer really spoke to me.

Then, there’s Dash himself. He’s such an intriguing and multifaceted teenager. Beneath his outward cynicism lies a profound sense of loneliness and a challenging family dynamic, particularly with parents who are often absent or detached. He grapples with a lot of internal struggles throughout the series, which offered a rich tapestry for character exploration. All these elements combined presented a very appealing opportunity. Plus, being a Netflix project carries its own unique advantages. I appreciate the communal aspect of a show like this, where a vast audience can watch and connect over a shared experience. That sense of community around my work is something I truly value.

Navigating Diverse Roles: From Marc to Dash

HollywoodLife: You recently portrayed Marc in This Is Us, a character strikingly different from Dash, and even Ethan in Euphoria. How do you approach diving into such varied roles, embodying characters that might be perceived as “good” or “bad” by audiences?
Austin Abrams: My approach to every character is to see them as a distinct individual, rather than labeling them simply as ‘good guys’ or ‘bad guys.’ For instance, while some might describe Marc from This Is Us as a “bad guy,” I don’t necessarily view Dash as solely a “good guy” either. I really try to avoid that black-and-white perspective when I’m developing a character.

Instead, I focus on understanding their motivations – *why* they do the things they do. What are their internal landscapes, their backstories, their vulnerabilities? It’s about finding the humanity, no matter how flawed, within each person. Looking back now, with the distance of time, I can acknowledge that Marc acted like an asshole. But when I was inhabiting that role, my job was to understand his perspective and play him as a real person with his own logic, however twisted it might seem to an outsider. This nuanced approach allows me to connect with and portray each character authentically, regardless of external judgment.

Finding a Healthy Balance in Love: Austin Abrams on Romance

HollywoodLife: When it comes to love and romance, do you find yourself more aligned with Dash’s cynical outlook or Lily’s unwavering optimism?
Austin Abrams: I feel like I’m probably a healthy balance of both. Dash and Lily represent two extreme ends of the spectrum, especially in how they view life and love, which is precisely why they complement each other so beautifully. Their contrasting perspectives create a dynamic tension that allows them to grow and challenge one another. Personally, I believe that finding a healthy mix of both idealism and realism is the best place to be. It allows for hope and open-mindedness while also grounding you in reality, which I think is crucial for any meaningful connection.

Building Chemistry with Midori Francis: Beyond the Physical

HollywoodLife: What was your initial impression of Midori Francis, and how did you navigate establishing a compelling chemistry with her that wasn’t initially based on physical interaction?
Austin Abrams: My very first impression was a strong conviction that she was absolutely the right person for this role. There was an immediate sense of connection, even before we started filming. I have immense appreciation and respect for Midori because she is incredibly hardworking and thoughtful, not just as an actress but as a person. She genuinely loves her craft and is deeply committed to making whatever she’s working on the absolute best it can be. That level of dedication and passion is something I profoundly admire and value in a scene partner.

Building chemistry without immediate physical interaction was certainly a unique challenge, but it also made the process incredibly rewarding. Our chemistry developed through the subtle nuances of our performances, the shared understanding of our characters’ emotional journeys, and the inherent connection written into their dialogue and dares. We had to convey so much through longing glances, hopeful expressions, and the emotional weight of the words in the notebook. This unconventional approach allowed for a deeper, more profound emotional connection to form, which I think ultimately made their eventual meeting even more impactful.

New York City: A Timeless Holiday Capsule

HollywoodLife: One of the most enchanting aspects of Dash & Lily is its vivid portrayal of New York City during the holidays, captured right before the pandemic. It truly feels like a poignant time capsule.
Austin Abrams: It’s absolutely wild how it all unfolded. When we were filming, none of us had any idea of the global shifts that were just around the corner. We couldn’t have predicted that the show would become this unexpected source of nostalgia for these very reasons. I’m incredibly happy and grateful that people now have this series to hopefully immerse themselves in, to feel that sense of warmth and festive nostalgia, especially during times when they might not be able to experience it firsthand.

I was reflecting on this just the other week. Both Dash and Lily find themselves essentially alone for the holidays, as their families have left them. This isolation in the narrative eerily mirrors the reality many people faced during the pandemic, unable to see extended family or participate in traditional gatherings. That parallel between the show’s storyline and real-life experiences – the way they mirror one another – gives the series an added layer of unexpected resonance and makes it feel even more relevant and comforting for many viewers.

Fate or Coincidence: The Notebook’s Catalyst

HollywoodLife: The entire premise hinges on Dash discovering Lily’s notebook at The Strand. If that hadn’t happened, they might never have truly connected. Do you believe in fate and destiny, and how do you think it shapes our world and relationships?
Austin Abrams: It’s an interesting thought experiment. I think it’s possible they might have still crossed paths, given that they do eventually meet at that Christmas Eve party, even without the notebook initially bringing them together. So, a physical meeting might have occurred regardless. However, in terms of any grand destiny specifically to *find each other* and build the unique bond they did through the notebook, I’m not entirely sure. The notebook certainly acted as a powerful catalyst, directing their interactions and accelerating their emotional connection in a way that an accidental meeting might not have.

Regardless of whether it was pure fate or a series of fortunate coincidences, I firmly believe it’s a good thing that they did find each other. Their relationship, built on vulnerability and challenging dares, genuinely helps both of them grow as individuals. They push each other out of their comfort zones, confront their fears, and ultimately become better versions of themselves, which is a beautiful outcome regardless of the underlying cosmic mechanics.

The Magic of the Unwitting Christmas Eve Encounter

HollywoodLife: The Christmas Eve party scene had me on the edge of my seat! Dash and Lily were right there, so close, yet completely unaware they were interacting with the person they’d been corresponding with. I thought that was such a brilliantly executed scene, immediately highlighting their innate connection.
Austin Abrams: That scene truly captures the essence of their journey – they’re so close physically, yet emotionally, they’re navigating this fascinating distance. I agree, it’s one of my favorite and most important scenes in the series. What makes it so pivotal is that you see them interacting purely as themselves, without any prior knowledge of the other person through the notebook. There are no preconceived notions, no expectations, and none of the pressure that comes with knowing the identity of the person you’ve been so vulnerable with.

It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated connection. You witness their natural dynamic, their immediate comfort, and the undeniable spark between them, all before the weight of their written revelations comes into play. This “meeting without knowing” allows the audience to see the raw, authentic bond they share, reinforcing that their chemistry transcends the words on a page. It’s truly a beautiful and organic portrayal of their connection, stripped of any external influences.

The Purity of a Social Media-Free Romance

HollywoodLife: One aspect I particularly admire about the story is that this “book of dares” romance unfolds completely free of social media and modern technology. Was that something both you and Midori recognized and appreciated during filming?
Austin Abrams: Absolutely. There’s an undeniable purity that comes from not being able to instantly look up the other person online. In today’s world, we’re so accustomed to building preconceived notions about people based on their social media profiles before we even truly speak to them. The absence of that in Dash & Lily forces both the characters and the audience to rely entirely on imagination and genuine interaction.

While Dash and Lily can’t help but develop ideas about who the other person might be, the fact that they can’t see them or verify details through technology allows them to truly get to know each other’s “souls” on a much deeper level. They’re connecting on an intellectual and emotional plane, based solely on shared thoughts, vulnerabilities, and challenges. I think that not only makes their connection incredibly unique and romantic but also speaks volumes about the depth and authenticity of the bond they forge. It’s a testament to how profound a relationship can become when stripped of superficial distractions.

Exploring Dash’s Journey: What Season 2 Could Hold

HollywoodLife: Beyond his relationship with Lily, what aspects of Dash’s character would you be most interested in exploring further if there were a second season?
Austin Abrams: I think delving deeper into his parents’ aspect would definitely be very interesting. We get glimpses of his dad briefly, enough to understand the dynamics of that relationship, and his mom is largely unseen, leaving much to the imagination. A significant part of me actually appreciates that creative choice, as sometimes leaving certain things to the audience’s imagination can be the most powerful storytelling technique. It allows viewers to fill in the blanks, making the experience more personal and impactful than explicitly showing everything.

However, I’m also very curious about what a more in-depth exploration of that family dynamic would look like. How has it truly shaped Dash’s cynicism, his independence, and his search for connection? Beyond his family life, I’d also be interested in seeing Dash navigate his post-high school life, perhaps exploring his academic or career aspirations, new friendships, or how he continues to evolve emotionally after such a transformative experience with Lily. There are certainly many facets of Dash that could be fascinating to unpack further, making a potential second season very appealing.