One night zero happy endings
The Dystopian Date Night: Why One Night Only Fails to Sizzle
Imagine a world where romance is strictly regulated. In this alternate reality, premarital sex is permitted only once per year, enforced by a rigid US government mandate. To track compliance, every citizen bears an Orwellian wrist tattoo that shifts from red to green when the annual 12-hour exemption period begins. It sounds like the pitch for a grim, thought-provoking thriller, but what we are watching is actually a romantic comedy, and it’s opening in cinemas, not just streaming.
Director Will Gluck, known for injecting fresh energy into the genre with hits like Anyone But You, attempted to tackle this quirky premise with One Night Only. While theory suggests a romcom can overcome any awkward starting point, the execution here leaves many wishing for a warmer connection than the film delivers.
The story centers on Owen (Callum Turner), a pizza shop owner, who is meticulously planning a romantic evening with his girlfriend, Malika (Maya Hawke). However, just as the clock ticks toward the annual freedom window, Malika makes a bold, if somewhat surprising, suggestion over sushi that she would rather spend the night with someone else. The timing and immediate reaction to this revelation raise amusing questions about the characters’ dynamics, even if the film doesn’t fully explore them.
Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Allie (Monica Barbaro), a jingle singer who is single and ready to mingle. Owen and Allie’s paths cross as they navigate the vibrant, sexually charged landscape of New York City on a night when everyone is looking for connection. This segment allows the film to inject some fun, fast-paced energy, featuring playful cameos from celebrities like King Princess and Charli XCX, adding lighthearted moments to the story.
As Owen and Allie’s interactions build, they eventually realize they might be exactly what they need. Yet, despite the charming encounters and the high-stakes setting, the film struggles to escape its squeamish attitude toward sex. Even Allie’s roommate, Arya (Quintessa Swindell), dismisses the exemption period as merely a night “for the straights,” hinting at a surprisingly narrow and perhaps baffling societal view of what sex entails in this dystopian world.
Ultimately, the film seems preoccupied with manufacturing viral moments, opting for musical numbers to fill narrative gaps rather than resolving the thematic tension. This focus occasionally overshadows the genuine chemistry that the leads possess. While the film attempts a retrogressive ending, the overall experience leaves viewers wishing for a more satisfying romantic resolution than the story provides.
Despite the quirky premise and the engaging cast, One Night Only lands as a somewhat disappointing romcom, ultimately falling short of delivering the soaring romance its setting promises.
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