REVIEW: ‘One Night Only’ Is Scrumptious Rom-Com Comfort Food

One Night Only is part of a notable resurgence in romantic comedies. While streaming has probably played the biggest part in the rom-com revival, with Netflix and Prime Video in particular churning out charming flick after flick since the late 2010s, director Will Gluck’s Anyone But You proved in 2023 that this genre can still be a box office success as well. Gluck’s follow-up film is a more ambitious affair.

Boasting an outrageous premise that has earned both scorn and intrigue, One Night Only is successful because it has the essentials down: a light-hearted, constantly romantic tone, a steady stream of genuine laughs, and magnetic chemistry between its leads. 

Three years ago, all premarital sex was outlawed in the United States by a government mandate that allows for a loophole. One night a year, for 12 hours, singles can explore their desires freely, so long as they use protection. In New York City, Owen (Callum Turner) is ready to celebrate this night with the love of his life (Maya Hawke). However, when she reveals her intention to use the night to sleep with someone else, he’s left alone. Meanwhile, commercial jingle singer Allie (Monica Barbaro) is not just seeking pleasure, but a genuine connection. Their paths collide, shenanigans ensue, and sparks just might fly. 

One Night Only masterfully plays between the humor and steaminess of its unique premise.

One Night Only takes great advantage of its premise, weaving in some surprisingly intricate world-building. It’s outright indicated that the government mandate has been a by-product of the rise of puritan conservatism. Posters and graffiti around New York indicate widespread Anti-Mandate sentiment, and each citizen is outfitted with a biometric implant indicating whether they’re married or not that will only be unlocked for singles on the night of pre-marital legality. 

Frankly, it’s bizarre and really interesting to have this sort of dystopian lore dropped into a movie of this genre. It adds a distinct thematic backbone that heightens the already immense pressure of finding the right person. Will Gluck and screenwriter Travis Braun are savvy in mostly playing the premise for comedy.

Prices being gouged is a consistently funny touch. Furthermore, as soon as the “free night” starts, the image of singles desperately getting busy anywhere they can never loses its humorous edge. The best jokes come from the safe sex rule, with Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner going through hell and back trying to find and fighting over contraceptives. 

New York and its odd characters add to the lived-in feeling of One Night Only.

Of course, any romantic comedy worth its salt is only as good as its central pairing. Monica Barbaro is magnetic as Allie. She’s spunky, intelligent, driven, and a romantic at heart, all layers that the script suggests and Barbaro gives dimension. Barbaro (A Complete Unknown) is here to stay as a leading lady. Callum Turner (Eternity) isn’t quite on the same level. Nevertheless, he acquits himself well in a role that draws heavily on his movie star good looks. He’s undeniably charming as a stand-up guy who, as much as he tries to kid himself, is out of his depth on the hunt for a one-night stand. 

The two want the same thing- finding a real connection. Every moment the two are onscreen, you want the same thing for them. The tension between them grows more palpable with each wacky encounter, each stolen glance, and each gentle teasing of one another. You can practically feel the steam shooting off the screen whenever they’re together.

Crucially, the city of New York, handsomely shot by Yaron Orbach, provides a swooning concrete playground where love seems to be forging between them in real time. A place filled with all sorts of off-the-wall supporting players (Levar Burton in particular stands out), the city’s chaotic beauty only helps demonstrate the palpable pull between Owen and Allie. For a film with such an insane premise, it’s incredibly earnest about the nerves of putting yourself out there and finding the one-of-a-kind power of love.

It’s tough to deny that One Night Only works like a charm.

A big missed opportunity in One Night Only, however, is that it’s fairly chaste for a movie whose entire concept revolves around sex. Don’t expect any graphic nudity or extended sex scenes here. Most of it is either played for laughs, obscured, or implied.

It’s an odd predicament where having more of that sort of content may have distracted from its sweet core, whereas the more sanitized portrayal of intimacy feels slightly dishonest. Fear not, there’s still plenty of steamy scenes to be found. None of them really swing for the fences in the way the “Sex Purge” concept suggests, though. 

It’s tough to deny, though, that One Night Only works like a charm. Featuring masterful chemistry between the leads, the necessary romance, a delightfully unhinged premise, and plenty of laughs, One Night Only looks fit to be the sleeper crowdpleaser of summer 2026. When rom-com comfort food is this tasty, it’s simply irresistible. May the great romantic comedy renaissance continue!

One Night Only is in theaters everywhere on August 7, 2026.