The Dystopia of Modern Singlehood

The film "One Night Only," directed by Will Gluck and based on a far-fetched premise, depicts a dystopian future where the U.S. government has outlawed premarital sex. In this alternate reality, the government employs biosurveillance to monitor people's hormone levels and enforce the ban, permitting sexual activity for only one night each year. The film stars Owen, portrayed by Callum Turner, and Allie, played by Monica Barbaro, who find themselves navigating a night of "exploration" on this once-a-year exception.

The film, although not grounded in realism, does reflect the anxieties and pressures faced by modern single individuals. Owen and Allie's experiences highlight the abundance of potential partners, yet an overwhelming sense of unappealing options. The film suggests that the fear of choosing poorly or being alone can be strong, and it raises questions about the societal pressures that singles, especially women, face.

The movie also exposes the socio-economic inequalities that singles endure. They pay more for essentials like rent and groceries, miss out on certain tax benefits, and are targeted by dating-app scams and businesses capitalizing on their singlehood. The film's depiction of a society that exploits and penalizes single people, coupled with the main characters' adversarial relationship, presents a commentary on the loneliness and isolation that singles often experience.

Ultimately, "One Night Only" is less about the consequences of government overreach and more about the abstract portrait of modern dating—a chaotic and absurd circus full of humor and sadness. The screenwriter, Travis Braun, aimed to capture the circus-like atmosphere and absurdity of the dating world, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation without delving too deeply into the more profound issues surrounding singlehood and societal expectations.