One Night Only Review: From lust to luster
My local theater finally did another Monday night mystery movie for the first time in months... and I got to see One Night Only as a part of that event! I wasn't super excited about this film because I think hooking up isn't, well, romantic. Not bashing on anyone who thinks it is; I just don't. Did this mystery flick win me over by the end of its runtime or leave me feeling like it was a waste of a perfectly good night? That's what I, Brighton Nelson of the Reel Ranker, will be tackling in today's review.
Let's get into a couple quick negatives before I venture into the positives. My only tiny gripe with this movie is that I think it should've lingered on its final note a little longer, and held off on the jokes a little. The ending is pretty tender and satisfying, but a bit more would've given the film more of a bite. However, that being said, this is probably the rom-com most deserving of a sequel that I've ever watched... and I'll prove why in the positives!
The film genuinely might be one of my new favorite rom-coms of all time. This film has a simple yet incredible premise: single people can only have sex one night each year. With all the antics and tomfoolery that come along with the premise, this ends up being a perfect combination of The Purge and Date Night. There's literally a significant portion of the runtime where the two main characters battle it out over who can acquire the last condom from a convenience store—yet, the bit still finds ways to have heart and romance amidst its insanity in the best way.
I also really enjoyed how the film incorporated drama without resorting to the typical breakup-and-separation shtick that rom-coms too often use. I need more rom-coms like this immediately, because I love that this film didn't need melodrama to ratchet up the romantic tension. Instead, it layers in elements of previous relationships and the overcoming of lust and sexuality for true love in a subtly brilliant way. Some said this felt like they were submitting to the fascist government, but I didn't get that vibe personally. Then again, I am completely uninterested in hookup culture and only really enjoy romance when I have an actual connection, so it worked for me.
While the scenario and set pieces are ridiculous and high-stakes as humanly possible, the romance is so grounded, sweet, and unsensationalized—a perfect juxtaposition to all the other people we're introduced to just screwing up in the streets. There's a scene in a pizza restaurant that feels like one of the most relatable and realistic romantic scenes in recent memory.
Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner sold their chemistry wonderfully, and their characters have substance, unlike many more superficial rom-coms. It's not going to win any character development awards, but I really got invested in all their quirks and the romance.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 88%
Letter Score: S
Star Ranking: 5 out of 5
With a premise like this, and a romance this realistic and heartfelt, this is one of my favorite rom-coms. This is a new gold standard for the genre in the modern era. While I adored You, Me & Tuscany with all my heart as a more tropey, sensational rom-com, this film beat out that one for me. To get two fantastic new rom-coms that aren't streaming service sludge? It's fantastic. I hope this movie takes the world by storm when it opens wide, despite its unfortunate release window.
Interested in checking out some other dramas, comedies, and romances below? Check them out below! 😄
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
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