The Stream: The basic premise could have been explored deeper.

The Big Screen: Monica Barbaro proves she’s got the romantic comedy chops.

The Final Bill: This movie could make your date night sexy and fun.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Will Gluck
Writers: Travis Braun
Stars: Callum Turner, Monica Barbaro, Molly Ringwald, LeVar Burton, Quintessa Swindell,
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating: R for sexual material, language and brief nudity.
Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes
Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Olive Bridge Entertainment
Platform: In theaters August 7, 2026
Notable Trailers: The Dog Stars, Charlie Harper, Practical Magic 2, Focker-In-Law

How you doin’, Streamers!?! Ah, love is in the air! Or, is that just the thick humidity of the dawg days of August? Nevertheless, this weekend’s new release at the summer box office is One Night Only, a romantic comedy with a unique premise to get your hearts and loins racing. This movie is set in a time when premarital sex has been outlawed except for one night a year – kind of like The Purge but for premarital sex. In this movie, Callum Turner (Owen) and Monica Barbaro (Ali) are on the prowl for that special someone to share the night with, but they keep running into each other. Meet-cute hijinks ensues.

Most romantic comedies follow the same formula and get watered down by overused tropes. One Night Only follows the formula for the most part, but it has this unique premise that adds a layer of intrigue to it. The movie explains in general terms the mandate against premarital sex and how it was a law enacted by Congress that has been in effect for three years. It raises some interesting questions about the political climate and relationship culture in this “dystopian” America. While those questions are interesting, the movie is still a breezy, romantic comedy that’s about pretty people looking to hook up. Aside from setting up the circumstances of the night, the movie fails to explore deeper those questions that would be raised by such a premise, which makes this movie otherwise just another romantic comedy. You have to accept that this is not a political satire about sex in America – it’s a romantic comedy about trolling for sex on the one night it’s legal.

On the bright side, One Night Only is a good romantic comedy. It has attractive leads that have good chemistry. It is easy to see why Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro would want to keep running into each other. Callum Turner’s Owen isn’t a great character as he’s kind of bland and simple, but Turner does fine with it. Monica Barbaro, on the other hand, is luminous, charming and funny. She really makes this movie work as both a romance and a comedy. If Barbaro weren’t as engaging as she is, this movie would be pretty flat. Additionally, this movie has some really fun gags throughout, which leads to a few laugh out loud moments. A lot of great cameos pop up. The music is excellent, too. This movie checks all of the romantic comedy boxes in an above-average way. It’s only too bad they couldn’t figure out how to do more with their initial conceit.

On a side note: the trailer for this movie does not do it justice. I was pleasantly surprised by the movie itself since the trailer so thoroughly turned me off.

Ultimately, One Night Only is surprisingly funny and charming. The clever premise that is the catalyst for this romantic comedy could have been utilized more, but it is enough to make the story feel urgent and interesting. Callum Turner is good, but Monica Barbaro is the real star here – charismatic and sexy. The movie doesn’t feel long and will keep you engaged throughout. For those on date night, this movie is a worth the price of admission and a big box of pop, but if you’re going solo, maybe enjoy a matinee with a bowl of popcorn.