In an era where fresh ideas are hard to come by, Universal’s latest romantic comedy, *One Night Only*, dares to tread uncharted waters. Set against a peculiar backdrop where premarital sex is permitted for merely twelve hours each year, this film invites audiences into a world that raises eyebrows more than it evokes laughter. Starring *Top Gun: Maverick*’s Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, this quirky film attempts to blend romance with social commentary, but ultimately struggles to strike the right balance.
A Curious Concept
Imagine a society where the government enforces sexual abstinence for 364 days, only to allow a single night of debauchery. It’s an intriguing notion, one that could lead to a gripping narrative filled with tension and rebellion. However, *One Night Only* opts for a lighthearted approach, transforming what could have been a dark satire into a somewhat flippant romcom.
As the film opens, viewers are greeted with an absurd introduction that informs us that premarital intimacy has been outlawed in the United States. The result? A “sexual climate” where being single is treated as a badge of honour, and the night of liberation becomes a chaotic race to find companionship. With biosensors monitoring the populace’s sexual activity, the stakes are high, yet the film’s treatment of these themes feels superficial at best.
Navigating a Chaotic Night
Set in the bustling streets of New York City, the story follows Owen (Turner) and Allie (Barbaro) as they navigate the frenzied atmosphere of the sex purge. Owen’s plans with his girlfriend are derailed when she chooses to explore her options with a neighbour, leaving him to join forces with Allie—who is coaxed by her queer roommate to embrace the night.
What ensues is a series of misadventures that largely fall flat. The characters seem to exist in a perpetual state of indecision, as they constantly evade the very purpose of the night. Instead of seizing the moment, they opt to play wingman for one another, leading to a series of awkward encounters that lack the necessary spark to engage audiences.
A Visual Treat, But Content-Less
Director Will Gluck brings a vibrant aesthetic to the film, showcasing the lively streets of New York in a manner that is both appealing and immersive. Unlike many of its Netflix counterparts, which often feel dull and uninspired, *One Night Only* boasts a poppy visual flair. Yet, despite the film’s stylish presentation, it fails to deliver a compelling narrative.
The screenplay, penned by children’s television writer Travis Braun, lacks the depth and sophistication needed to elevate the film. With an abundance of pop culture references and celebrity cameos—think Julia Fox and Pete Davidson—the film sometimes feels more like a collection of disjointed moments than a cohesive story. The characters’ journeys are underdeveloped, leaving viewers disengaged as they navigate through a lacklustre script that struggles to find its footing.
A Disappointing Message
What is perhaps most disheartening is the film’s unexpected portrayal of sexuality. Instead of championing personal freedom, it often adopts a sex-negative stance, portraying those seeking intimacy as foolish or misguided. The film’s underlying message seems to suggest that the enforced restrictions on sexual expression are, in some twisted way, justified.
The premise itself is fraught with moral implications, especially in today’s political climate, making the film feel even more tone-deaf. Instead of critiquing a system that limits individuality, *One Night Only* inadvertently seems to endorse it, raising questions about the messages it propagates.
Why it Matters
*One Night Only* is a curious addition to the romcom genre, but ultimately, it feels like a missed opportunity. In a time when audiences crave films that challenge societal norms and explore deeper themes, this movie’s light-hearted treatment of a heavy concept falls short. It begs the question of whether a film can truly entertain while also offering meaningful commentary on personal freedom and societal control. As a result, *One Night Only* stands as a bizarre artifact of a genre striving for relevance in a world that demands more than just a laugh.