When I heard about One Night Only, I was most interested because of the cast, especially some of the minor characters. I also love romantic comedies so I was hopeful when I went to the screening that it would be funny. After watching the film, I can honestly say that it was a hilarious romance with smoking hot chemistry between the leads and a great balance between the comedy and the romance.
One Night Only is a romantic comedy film directed and produced by Will Gluck based on a script by Travis Braun. In the movie, three years ago, the government mandated that sex should only be between married couples except for an exception of one night a year with protection required. A biological sensor implanted in a tattoo helps keep track of any offenders. Owen (Callum Turner) is a pizza shop owner in a committed relationship with his girlfriend Malika (Maya Hawke) who he plans to propose to until she says she wants to use the night to sleep with someone else. Allie (Monica Barbaro) is a commercial singer who is tired of being ghosted after sex. This year she wants to find a real connection. Both of them venture out to find someone to be with for the night. They keep running into each other but at first, neither is interested but as the night goes on, they forge a friendship as each encounters difficulties and obstacles to their goals for the night. But will they end up together or will Owen go back to his girlfriend at the end of the night? Molly Ringwald plays Owen’s mother Linda and Levar Burton her partner Rick.
One of the elements that works the best is the comedy aspects. While I’m not sure I believe people would be willing to give up sex except for marriage, it is a great concept, especially with all the randiness an entire year of waiting can bring. Part of the fun is the different couples that are seen throughout the night, along with the various actions they take. The writing does a fantastic job of creating hilarious obstacles for Owen and Allie in their quest for sex, with one of the funniest being the attempt for both to try to buy the sole remaining condom available in a convenience shop. I won’t spoil any of the details but I was laughing the entire movie.
Along with the comedy, the minor characters that pop up add to the fun. Molly Ringwald and Levar Burton are both delightful and fun as Linda and Rick. The commercials that Allie sings are used throughout the movie and are very much tongue in cheek. Owen ends up stumbling across a movie in progress and causing issues for the actors, played by Bobby Cannavale and Pete Davidson. The different interactions with various people during the night enhance the story.
What is most impressive is the balance between the comedy and the romance elements. The story does a great job of building the relationship between the pair while never losing track of the laughable moments. In fact, the squabbling between Owen and Allie adds to the humor and when they decide to team up to help each other, it makes the movie even funnier. But when everything slows down and they just talk to each other, the chemistry is off the charts and the romance becomes clear.
Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner both deliver brilliant performances, both funny but also vulnerable with smoking hot chemistry between them and wonderful reparte between their characters. They are witty, caring and both play their characters with skill and talent. Molly Ringwald and Levar Burton are both fantastically funny as well and the supporting cast are all wonderful in their roles.
If there are any flaws, it is that while I believe the government would try to deliver a mandate like this one, I don’t think it would last even three years. Too many people enjoy sex for it to be sustainable even as an idea. While I love the concept, in reality, I’m not sure I can quite suspend my disbelief. And as with most romantic comedies, you know what the ending will be. Despite that, I loved the comedy and really enjoyed the performances.
If you like romantic comedies, this is a well balanced, hilarious romance. The actors are terrific and give us great performances. The secondary characters all add to the humor and the story. And I love how the story develops the characters and their romance. I loved the humor and the romance.
4 out of 5 condoms
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