Critics Dislike ‘One Night Only’, But Audiences Are Embracing It

Callum Turner has quietly crafted an intriguing career in Hollywood, transitioning from the prestige war drama in ‘Masters of the Air’ to romance in ‘Eternity’, and now stepping into a dystopian sex comedy alongside Monica Barbaro. Directed by Will Gluck, known for ‘Easy A’ and ‘Anyone But You’, ‘One Night Only’ premiered in theaters on August 7, featuring a high-concept twist that stands out among current releases.

The film envisions a near-future America where a government mandate allows premarital sex for singles over eighteen on just one night a year, tracking dopamine spikes through mandatory wrist tattoos to enforce the rule the rest of the time. Turner and Barbaro portray Owen and Allie, two strangers navigating the chaos of New York City that night, each seeking something deeper than a fleeting encounter as circumstances keep drawing them apart.

This premise has sparked divisive opinions right from the start, with the film currently holding a 47 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics based on 123 reviews. In contrast, audiences have reacted much more positively, elevating the film’s audience score to 72 percent alongside a solid B+ CinemaScore.

The disparity between critics and general audiences has become a prominent topic surrounding the film’s release. Many reviewers have highlighted the chemistry between Turner and Barbaro as the film’s saving grace, even as they grapple with a premise some found tonally inconsistent or underdeveloped given its dystopian backdrop.

Critics’ reactions have varied significantly, with some outlets appreciating the film’s unique blend of satire and romance, while others felt it never fully committed to either. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter commended the leads, noting their effortless chemistry that makes audiences root for them despite the story’s contrived obstacles.

Conversely, some critics were less forgiving of the premise itself. Variety’s Guy Lodge described the film as “too creepy to be cute,” drawing uncomfortable parallels to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, while still recognizing that Turner brought an off-kilter charm that complemented Barbaro’s on-screen presence. Meanwhile, The Wrap’s Matt Goldberg found the film’s lighter approach to its darker political implications refreshing rather than frustrating, labeling it a silly, delightful romantic comedy once viewers accept its bizarre premise.

The mixed critical reception reflects a trend seen with Gluck’s recent projects, as his previous film ‘Anyone But You’ also faced negative reviews before achieving a surprisingly strong box office performance. This history suggests ‘One Night Only’ may follow a similar path, especially given the positive audience response compared to the more skeptical critical consensus.

The film’s supporting cast adds further star power, featuring Maya Hawke, Julia Fox, Molly Ringwald, LeVar Burton, King Princess, and Ziwe rounding out the ensemble. With audiences rating the film significantly higher than critics, ‘One Night Only’ appears set to become another example of a Will Gluck rom-com that thrives on crowd appeal, regardless of critical opinions.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!