'One Night Only' Review: Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner charm in lively high-concept rom-com
Let's talk about sex — yes, seriously. It's kind of important for this review.
We live in a time when fewer people are getting married and more people — particularly Gen Zers — aren't having sex, which is why it's interesting that a movie like "One Night Only" is being released now.
In an alternative America, Congress passed a law banning premarital sex except for one night only (get it?) every year. Think "The Purge," but with casual sex instead of committing heinous crimes. The crackdown is quite serious; everyone has a sensor on their wrists so that the police can track and arrest anyone who attempts hanky-panky while unwed during the rest of the year.
All the singletons in New York City treat the sex ban carve-out like a holiday; people take off work early, there are parties everywhere, there's even a New Year's-esque countdown to kick it off. You'll find couples making out at every street corner or bar, or spot them getting it on through the window. The aspiring lovers have just 12 hours to get it on and, if they're lucky, find their soulmate.
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Pizzeria owner Owen (Callum Turner) was hoping to have a romantic evening with his longterm girlfriend (Maya Hawke of "Stranger Things" fame) — until she dropped a bomb that she wants to try sleeping with one of their neighbors. His "one night only" was ruined before it could even begin.
Meanwhile, an aspiring singer, Allie (Monica Barbaro), was supposed to go out with a friend until she ditched her for a guy seemingly within minutes of going to a bar. Now she's forced to navigate the night on her own.
Obviously, we know what happens next. They have a chance encounter, they go their separate ways, their adventurous evenings repeatedly bring them back together, hijinks and hilarity ensue, yada yada yada.
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The premise is kind of absurd on its face. On paper, this is a dystopian nightmare and a widespread rebellion to fight the mandate would erupt (folks make it clear they're unhappy with the now three-year-old law). But it remarkably works as a romantic comedy thanks in part to the universe created by screenwriter Travis Braun, who notably makes his feature debut following an IDMB credit list ironically filled with children's programming ("Pupstruction," "Vampirina," "Muppet Babies" etc.).
Past films by director Will Gluck ("Easy A," "Friends with Benefits," "Anyone But You") haven't exactly landed with me despite the fanfare they've gotten over the years, but "One Night Only" rises above the rest because he's able to lean into the silliness of the universe Owen and Allie live in, which includes a desperate search for a condom since they're sold out virtually everywhere.
Turner, known for his roles in "Masters of the Air," the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise and more recently another high-concept rom-com (2025's "Eternity"), fits the bill as an on-screen heartthrob, toeing the line between cocky and endearing. Barbaro, who you might remember from "Top Gun: Maverick" and "A Complete Unknown" — the latter earning her an Oscar nomination, shines as the gorgeous yet down-to-earth Allie.
Barbaro showcasing her vocal talents after appearing as Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic is an added bonus (a note to Hollywood: cast her in a musical already).
"One Night Only" isn't exactly "When Harry Met Sally" or "Sleepless in Seattle," but it's thoroughly entertaining and has plenty of decent laughs. Aside from the wild cameo appearances of Gluck's famous pals, two of the best scene stealers are Molly Ringwald and LeVar Burton, who play Owen's mom and her "one night only" lover.
Comedies over 90 minutes tend to overstay their welcome, so "One Night Only" might've benefited by shaving some of its runtime. Precious minutes didn't need to be allotted to the overt product placement, namely Durex and K&Y.
"One Night Only" is a satirical examination of casual sex in the form of an amusing, raunchy rom-com, marking Gluck's best film to date and elevating up-and-comers Turner and Barbaro as capable lead performers. It's a solid date night option perhaps for younger couples — otherwise, it's probably best to save this for a night in.
"One Night Only" is rated R for sexual material, language and brief nudity. Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes. In theaters now.