One Night Only Looks on the Bright Side of Fascism: Review

One Night Only is a romantic comedy that presents a futuristic society where Congress has banned all premarital sex except for one night per year. This regulation is enforced using biosensors implanted in the wrists of all adults over 18, and individuals are allowed to personalize the appearance of their devices. The film, directed by Will Gluck and written by Travis Braun, explores the consequences of this law through the story of Owen and Allie, played by Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro, respectively.

In this world, Owen owns a successful pizza shop while Allie sings commercial jingles for a living. Allie yearns to connect with an audience through her music, while Owen's girlfriend desires him to explore other relationships. Despite the dystopian backdrop, the movie is described as charming, thanks to its dreamy score and dance pop music. The chemistry between Turner and Barbaro is highlighted as a standout aspect of the film.

However, the movie raises several questions regarding the specifics of the ban on premarital sex. It is unclear exactly what sexual activities are forbidden or what constitutes the "one night" each year. Additionally, the film touches on the availability and distribution of condoms, which seems contradictory given the law's restrictions.

The presence of major brands like Duo Lingo, Dunkin' Donuts, Red Bull, and Durex is mentioned, but the film's portrayal of this society seems to accept the government's control over personal relationships without much challenge.

One Night Only is rated R due to frequent use of profanity and a few scenes of nudity. The film explores the idea that banning premarital sex might make the single occasion more special and encourage people to focus on emotional connections throughout the year. Despite the film's unsettling depiction of a society that seemingly willingly accepts such a strict sexual regulation, it ultimately suggests that this one night of autonomy could lead to a more meaningful relationship. One Night Only opens in theaters on August 7th.