In the realm of romantic comedies, expectations are often set by familiar tropes: will the chemistry be genuine? Will the romance and comedy be balanced? And, in recent years, will this film finally revive a genre that many consider past its prime? One Night Only Universal’s latest offering, raises even more intriguing questions. This film presents a world where single people are only legally allowed to have sex on one night of the year, a concept that has drawn comparisons to The Purge.
The premise, on paper, seems like a grim dystopian scenario where the government exerts extreme control over personal freedoms. However, One Night Only uses this backdrop for a lighthearted meet-cute, with the serious undertones drowned out by a zippy Top 40 soundtrack. Viewers are left wondering not just about the romantic outcome but also about the logistics of such a government-enforced system and the severe consequences for those who defy it. If this sounds like too much for a breezy summer romp, that’s because it is—an overstuffed yet undercooked soufflé that struggles to rise to the occasion.
The Premise and Setting
The film opens with the revelation that premarital sex has been outlawed in the US legal only for 12 hours on one night of the year. This government-decreed sexual climate has made being an incel a badge of honor, the result of what’s described as an ideological grenade thrown at Americans by Congress. People are fitted with biosensors that detect the chemicals released during sex, turning from red to green when one gets married or during the annual sex purge. The night of debauchery and chaos sees everyone desperately trying to find a partner, with protection mandatory and severe penalties for breaking the law.
The story unfolds in New York City the perfect setting for a film about singledom and sex. We follow the journeys of Owen (Callum Turner) and Allie (Monica Barbaro) as they navigate the city’s chaotic landscape in search of a connection. Owen’s plan with his girlfriend falls through when she chooses the night to hook up with a neighbor, while Allie is encouraged by her queer roommate to put on a revealing dress and join the fray. Their paths intertwine, and for reasons that remain unclear, they decide not to have sex with each other but instead become wingmen for each other’s romantic pursuits.
Production and Performance
Director Will Gluck brings a savvy commercial touch to the film, with a bright and poppy aesthetic that stands out against the murkier romcoms on streaming platforms. The on-location shooting in New York City provides an immersive experience, a stark contrast to the recent Spider-Man sequel that used Glasgow as a stand-in for New York. However, Gluck’s strength in creating a sleek 2000s throwback aesthetic is not matched by the depth of the writing. The leads, Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro, are a significant improvement over previous romcom pairings, but the script lacks the smart and specific dialogue needed to justify their initial reluctance to connect.
The film veers more towards a raunchy sex caper than a traditional romcom, filled with ineffective cameos and a string of almost-shags. The gimmicky, ADHD quality of the film, with its many misfiring pop culture references, seems designed to distract a Gen Z audience from their phones. While the detailed production design adds a layer of authenticity, it also feels like a distraction from the lack of a fully realized story. The characters’ journeys are not thoughtfully developed, leaving viewers to wonder about their motivations and growth.
Themes and Reception
One of the most surprising aspects of One Night Only is its progressively sex-negative tone, either ridiculing those who seek sex or applying a moral superiority to those who abstain. The film raises more questions than it answers, leaving viewers to ponder the implications of such a dystopian premise. The lack of thought given to alternatives, such as masturbation, and the severe penalties for breaking the law, add to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Despite its lighthearted approach, the film’s premise feels too grim to ignore, especially in the current political climate.
The film’s release coincides with the annual sex purge, adding a layer of irony to its premise. It’s a film about a government-enforced sexual climate that seems to suggest that such a system might not be so bad after all. This contradictory message leaves viewers questioning the film’s intent and its ultimate message about love, freedom, and personal choice.
One Night Only hits Australian cinemas on 6 August and in the US and the UK on 7 August. Whether it will resonate with audiences or leave them questioning the film’s bizarre premise remains to be seen.
