One Night Only | Film Review

 

On the one night of the year when singles can legally have sex, Owen (Callum Turner) and Allie (Monica Barbaro) seem to be the only people in the city looking for something that lasts longer than just one night.

There was a lot said about the premise of this movie before it came out, most of which pointing out how ridiculous it sounded and how many logistical problems it would cause. So I don't think anyone was really looking at this with any element of seriousness.

And as someone who was also sceptical, I was surprised that I actually liked it!

For a start, even though the concept does feel a bit stupid, it's also original and interesting, so you have to give it props for that!

It has a really fun soundtrack and makes music an integral part of the story.

You instantly like the characters - though the cast feels odd. The film is full of people that you wouldn't expect or choose for the roles they play.

Much of the movie tries to go in a more comedic direction, but it's generally not as funny as it thinks it is, and is better when leaning into either romance or drama.

The chemistry between the main actors wouldn't work in a traditional rom-com, but it feels less important for a film where the relationships are meant to be casual. It never feels like the characters are destined to be together.

That being said, the actors were better than I thought they'd be in these roles. Despite not finding the film funny, Turner played the more comedic parts of his character well.

The characters needed a lot more time together to make this budding relationship a believable one.

But surprisingly, they did get me by the end. But the time they actually wanted to be together, I was rooting for them!

There are some really sweet moments sprinkled throughout. Though I was surprised that, despite being about sex, the movie isn't particularly sexy.

So overall, this wasn't what I expected. I didn't expect to like it, and I definitely didn't expect to leave singing! But it won me over - there are definitely flaws, but I had a great time!

6.5/10