‘One Night Only’ Review: Will Gluck Transforms a Dark Premise Into a Delightful Rom-Com

The film "One Night Only," directed by Will Gluck, deftly transforms a dark premise of a world where sexual activity between unmarried individuals is only allowed once a year into a delightful romantic comedy. The movie does not exhaustively explore how such a system would function, but it expertly employs world-building to carry the audience through the absurdity of a "One Night Only" mandate.

With witty jokes and strong chemistry between the leads, Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro, the film feels like the kind that shouldn't work, yet it does. The premise of "One Night Only" is set in a world where the United States is under "the mandate," and sex outside of marriage is restricted to a single night each year. Biosensors in everyone’s skin ensure compliance, and violators face arrest.

Owen (Turner) is prepared to have sex with his girlfriend, Malika (Maya Hawke), but she convinces him to sleep with someone else for their relationship's sake. Allie (Barbaro), who desires a sexual encounter but with someone who could potentially enter into a relationship, crosses paths with Owen multiple times throughout the night, despite their attempts to avoid each other.

"One Night Only" effectively balances the tone of the film, focusing more on the world's silliness and absurdity rather than its repressive aspects. The film cleverly incorporates background humor and peculiar moments, reflecting a society where repeal of the mandate is a pressing issue. The performances of Turner and Barbaro elevate the movie, providing charm and charisma that make the audience feel drawn to their characters.

Although the film can be perplexing when questioning the logistics of the world, it remains a charming and entertaining ride. "One Night Only" is currently in theaters, opening on August 7.