Review: ‘One Night Only’ – A Rom-Com with a Dystopian Twist

The movie One Night Only presents an unusual premise likened to a sexual ‘Purge’ or a twist on Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery for brief romantic encounters. The narrative is set in a world where the U.S. government has made premarital sex illegal, except for a single 12-hour period each year. This concept invites many questions such as how such a law could be enforced and why citizens have not relocated to countries with more liberal views.

Directed by Will Gluck, known for Easy A and Anyone But You, the film chooses not to delve into the strange implications of its setting. Instead, it focuses on delivering a romantic story, albeit a restrained one. Despite being marketed as a raunchy comedy, its core is similar to a more innocent romantic comedy.

The choice not to explore its satirical foundation leaves One Night Only lacking the boldness to critique its central gimmick. Yet the performances by leads Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner make the film engaging. The romantic comedy genre is frequently discussed regarding its vitality, but it reliably offers a platform for new stars to shine. Turner has appeared in a monogamy-friendly rom-com Eternity, but this movie is crucial in showcasing Barbaro’s potential for leading roles, having previously acted in predominantly male casts like Top Gun: Maverick.

The narrative centers on two leads, Owen (Turner), a pizzeria owner in Manhattan, and Allie (Barbaro), a singer. Despite the nature of the night’s freedom, both are portrayed as romantics. Owen’s plans to propose falter when his girlfriend plans to find someone else. Allie’s friends need to convince her to participate in the night.

Crossing paths in New York, the pair embarks on a journey through the city’s nightlife, punctuated with nightclub antics and a scarcity of condoms. Travis Braun’s screenplay cleverly critiques modern dating culture, emphasizing the difficulty of finding old-fashioned romance amidst a swipe-based society. However, the film, interspersed with product placements, lacks a sense of sincerity.

One Night Only fails to broaden its satire or adequately address contemporary sex life issues. It instead revisits traditional themes, culminating in a climactic scene atop a New York landmark. While lacking the boldness required by its premise or the sweetness needed for its romantic plot, it excels as a meta-comedy showcasing its stars’ on-screen chemistry. Cameos by Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, and Pete Davidson add to this appeal.

Nonetheless, Barbaro and Turner’s performances ensure they remain unaffected by such limitations. One Night Only hints at possible future explorations of similar concepts. The film, released by Universal Pictures, is rated R for its sexual content, language, and brief nudity. The runtime is 102 minutes, earning it two out of four stars.