Ryan's Reviews One Night Only (released 2026)
Ryan's Rating: 2.5 out of 4 stars
This movie is far better and more enjoyable than many of the reviews make it seem. I think many believe it will be a raunchy sex comedy film, which it really is not; there's very little nudity and all the sex is off screen. The film is a more traditional romantic comedy with a silly sex premise, but all the Rom-Com hallmarks are here, a meet cute, then the two leads spend most of the film pretending not to like each other before the big romantic gesture conclusion. Also like many of the best romantic films it is filmed on location in New York City, and the city makes some of the sillier moments seem believable.
In the film there is a government mandate that bans all pre-marital sex except on one specific night of the year. This has been in effect for three years when the movie begins and we also learn all people have been outfitted with tracking devices that look like little tattoos on the inside of your left wrist. They are red except on the one night, when they turn green.
Allie (wonderfully played by Monica Barbaro, she really carried the movie), a singer who longs to connect with an audience but makes a living singing songs for commercials advertising psoriasis medications. She really wants to meet a nice guy that she connects with but keeps winding up alone. She is outgoing but would rather be playing sad songs on a piano in a bar than jumping in bed with a magician or accepting offers of threesomes.
Owen (also well played by Callum Turner) is a New York pizza restaurant owner, whose girlfriend (played by Maya Hawke) has decided to spend this one night with their neighbor (there's a humorous photo cameo of the neighbor for savvy viewers). This leaves Owen searching for a one night stand partner. There's also a neat moment where he holds a big cube of ice in his hand that plays to a nice reveal early in the film. There are some other surprises in the cast including Molly Ringwald and LeVar Burton.
The film is directed by Will Gluck who is no stranger to the romantic comedy, he previously had success with Easy A (2010), Friends with Benefits (2011), and Anyone But You (2023) and he does well here though much like his last film this feels a little padded even at 102 minutes. There is probably a smashing 90 minute movie in here.
While this is not a perfect movie I found it very enjoyable and the type of film they don't make as much anymore. The two stars and Gluck's ability with the genre pull it through. For a fun time check this out.
