Executing a high-concept romantic comedy is no easy feat, given the genre’s reliance on elusive elements like star chemistry and warmth. In “One Night Only,” these factors largely align, featuring attractive, mature leads in Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, while set against the inviting backdrop of a balmy New York City. The film even offers a few genuine laughs among its quirky dialogues, something that is increasingly rare in contemporary romcoms.
A Unique Premise
Yet, the film is hampered by a concept that is so intricate it overshadows its positive aspects. The unusual premise presents itself within moments of the film’s start, accompanied by a series of title cards that might leave viewers bewildered. The narrative establishes that premarital sex has been outlawed in the U.S. for the past three years, although the current year is never clarified. Thankfully, there’s one night a year when this rule is lifted, allowing unwed individuals to indulge in their desires. “It’s a lot,” the title cards candidly conclude, prompting a jarring shift from the lighthearted vibes reminiscent of “When Harry Met Sally…” to a grimmer narrative more akin to “The Handmaid’s Tale” alongside “The Purge.”
Plot Overview
Travis Braun’s script quickly transitions from this unsettling dystopian backdrop to a lighthearted romantic storyline. Directed by Will Gluck, whose previous romcom “Anyone but You” became a significant box office hit, “One Night Only” maintains a bright tone despite the dark themes. The narrative unfolds on National Sex Night, a day that resembles a festive holiday, albeit with condom store shortages instead of turkey shortages. Under the imposed rule, unprotected premarital sex remains prohibited throughout the year, policed by advanced wrist tattoos for citizens.
Meet the Leads
Among those gearing up to celebrate are Owen (Turner), a pizzeria owner in upper Manhattan, and Allie (Barbaro), an aspiring singer stuck performing pharmaceutical jingles. Owen is eager for his annual intimacy with his long-term girlfriend Malika (Maya Hawke), but their dynamic changes dramatically when Malika expresses a desire to open their relationship that night. This unforeseen twist propels Owen into a whirlwind of late-night Hinge matches and exclusive singles events, leading him to repeatedly cross paths with Allie in a city of eight million.
The Problematic Premise
Although Owen and Allie make an appealing couple, we find it challenging to invest in their relationship due to the conflicting premise. The film vacillates between offering romantic allure and grappling with a disconcerting topic. Efforts to inject lightheartedness into such a grim storyline appear increasingly contrived. While there is a brief satirical nod to political issues, including a television appearance of a red-tied president defending the controversial policy, the film largely glosses over the implications of living in a state with such severe constraints on personal freedom. Instead, the narrative centers on a group of middle-class individuals navigating their lives as they seek love amid government-imposed chastity.
Commentary and Consequences
If “One Night Only” aims to comment on the ineffectiveness of contemporary political activism, it accomplishes that goal. However, it seems that the filmmakers may not have intended to delve deeply into any specific criticisms, as they fail to engage with myriad political issues from both conservative and liberal perspectives. Strikingly, the film also hints at a sex-negative bias, mirroring the very ethos it attempts to critique. Surprising for a sex comedy, there is a conspicuous absence of on-screen sex, which has become standard in recent adult-oriented films, yet contributes to a peculiar pro-abstinence message that emerges from its convoluted narrative. While waiting for intimacy can be compelling, the notion of governmentally enforced waiting sheds a darker light on the matter.
Final Thoughts
Just calling attention to the considerable thought behind a seemingly carefree summer date movie might verge on overthinking—yet “One Night Only” is both overthought and underthought at once. It centers around an overly complex plot mechanism that intertwines romance with social critique, ultimately leaving many questions unanswered. While the film features enjoyable performances—Turner’s understated charm and Barbaro’s quirky presence enhance the chemistry—it often feels at odds with the unsettling reality it portrays. The film’s gimmick becomes more than mere romcom mechanics; it evolves into a commentary on the potential future of American society.
In an era where reproductive rights are heavily scrutinized, Owen and Allie’s romantic entanglements might evoke concern rather than escapism. Thus, “One Night Only” may not just have chosen an odd genre for its narrative, but perhaps the wrong narrative altogether. A more satisfying outcome would strive toward defeating the mandate rather than simply crafting a love story under its constraints. Asking audience members to reconcile these tensions enriches the film but challenges its premise in surprising ways.
