The new film One Night Only asks its audience to have a willing sense of disbelief, and there is perhaps nothing in it that’s more far-fetched than this: It wants us to believe that Callum Turner (Eternity) and Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick) can’t find anyone to sleep with — and on the horniest night of the year, yet.
If those two are striking out, then what hope is there for the rest of us?
The film imagines an alternate version of America where the right-wing government has outlawed premarital sex. Except, that is, for one 12-hour window — a glorious, state-sanctioned night every year when the country’s singles can finally let loose. Picture The Purge, but instead of everyone running around with assault rifles and other weapons looking to commit no-consequence crimes, they’re desperately hunting for condoms so they can get laid. It’s a ridiculous premise, and thankfully, the movie knows it.
In the build-up to this big night, we meet Owen (Turner) and Allie (Barbaro), attractive folks both on the verge of good times. But then Owen’s girlfriend (Maya Hawke) says she’d rather spend her night hooking up with their neighbor. And Allie somehow also finds herself alone on the one night when literally everyone is looking for company. D’oh!
The odds of these two good-looking people finding each other and falling in love — or, at the very least, lust — aren’t exactly hard to calculate. But, of course, there’s a lot of movie to get through first. Writer Travis Braun and director Will Gluck keep throwing Owen and Allie together while they each chase increasingly disastrous alternatives, even though it’s pretty clear early on that they’re sparking.
It’s a high-concept setup, and the opening act embraces the chaos. The film pokes fun at politics, dating culture, and society’s obsession with regulating other people’s personal lives, without ever becoming preachy. The commentary isn’t exactly subtle, but it shows the movie has more on its mind than your average rom-com, and that’s kind of nice.
That said, the film is here to entertain, not get political. To that end, Gluck knows how to make charming crowd-pleasers (his resume includes Easy A, Friends with Benefits, and the box-office smash Anyone but You), and One Night Only is no exception. It helps that Turner and Barbaro are well cast and have strong chemistry. Once the movie finally lets them share the screen for extended stretches, it becomes genuinely sweet. Turner brings an easygoing vulnerability that makes Owen instantly likable, while Barbaro radiates charisma in every scene. Or maybe it’s just that sparkly, low-cut dress she’s wearing. Frankly, she deserves an award just for making it look so iconic.
The biggest problem is that the movie can’t quite decide what it wants to be. The first half plays more like a broad comedy fueled by awkward encounters and escalating mishaps. Then it pivots into a more sincere romantic drama, almost as if someone swapped screenplays halfway through production. There’s nothing wrong with either approach, but the transition is abrupt enough that it almost feels like two different movies stitched together. Once Owen and Allie finally begin to spend real, quality time together, the film finds its emotional footing. It just takes longer than it should to get there.
Still, there’s a lot to like about the movie. The supporting cast is packed with entertaining cameos (some no longer than an on-screen photo), the dialogue has plenty of wit, and Gluck never lets the story become cynical. In fact, despite marketing itself around sex, One Night Only is surprisingly wholesome. Underneath the provocative premise is a refreshingly old-fashioned message about finding a real connection instead of chasing instant gratification.
Is this the next great romantic comedy? No. Is it funny, charming, and worth spending a couple hours with? Absolutely.
Think of One Night Only like the cinematic equivalent of a good first date: not unforgettable, but enjoyable enough that you’d happily see it again.
I’m giving it a B.
Martin's Musings 
What say you? Leave a comment here.