‘One Night Only’ Director Discusses Gen Z and Gen Alpha Attitudes Toward Sex on Screen

Will Gluck believes that younger audiences have shifted their perspectives on sex and nudity in films.

In a recent interview with Variety, the director of ‘One Night Only’ shared insights about his romantic comedy, which is set in a world where premarital sex is permitted for just one night each year. Although the film contains a fair amount of adult humor, Gluck noted that he had to reconsider the extent of sex and nudity included.

Gluck emphasized that research significantly influenced his decisions. When asked if the reported change in attitudes among Gen Z and Gen Alpha factored into his filmmaking, he responded affirmatively, stating, “The answer is 100% yes.”

He elaborated that he has analyzed a wealth of data regarding audience reactions to nudity and sexual content in films. However, Gluck believes this shift isn’t confined to younger generations alone.

“I don’t think it’s just Gen Z and Gen Alpha,” he remarked, suggesting that society as a whole has become more reserved about sexuality.

Gluck also pointed out that the prevalence of smartphones and easy access to adult content have altered audience expectations for cinema experiences. He suggested that viewers often feel uneasy when explicit scenes appear unexpectedly during a movie shared with others.

This became evident during the editing phase of ‘One Night Only’. Gluck revealed that the production initially filmed a considerable amount of nudity, including scenes shot on the streets of New York. However, early screenings indicated that these moments distracted viewers from the main narrative.

“There was so much nudity in this movie that we shot on the streets,” Gluck explained, noting that much of it was ultimately cut after observing audience reactions.

The director recalled watching viewers physically react to explicit scenes appearing in the background. “The benefits do not nearly outweigh the negatives of it,” he concluded.

Rather than allowing those scenes to detract from character development, Gluck and his team continued refining the film until they achieved a more suitable balance for audiences.

‘One Night Only’ follows Allie, portrayed by Monica Barbaro, and Owen, played by Callum Turner, as they navigate a peculiar 12-hour period when the film’s unique law permits premarital sex.

Gluck acknowledged that the film’s unconventional premise has raised numerous questions about its fictional universe. However, he prefers not to over-explain every rule. “We have to just let people see it,” he advised Variety.

The filmmaker also mentioned that an intimacy coordinator was utilized during production, and real-life couples were cast for some intimate scenes. Despite the film’s odd premise, Gluck views ‘One Night Only’ as a testament to the enduring appeal of theatrical romantic comedies. His previous film, ‘Anyone But You’, achieved significant box office success through positive word of mouth.

Gluck hopes for a similar outcome with this film. “You have to let them see it and tell their friends and family about it,” he remarked.

For now, his observations on evolving audience attitudes toward sex scenes are likely to ignite further discussions about what younger moviegoers truly desire in theaters.

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