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One Night Only Reviews: Critics Split on Creepy Rom-Com

New York Times Top Stories •
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In “One Night Only,” Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner play singles in a world where the government bans premarital sex except for one night a year. The romantic comedy hits theaters August 7, and reviews are mixed. Many critics find the concept “too creepy to be cute,” but agree the leads shine.

Marya E. Gates of Roger Ebert gives it 0/4, calling the script an “edgy premise” that fails to interrogate real horrors. Guy Lodge of Variety says the actors are too hot for this movie, noting its Handmaid’s Tale vibes. Alison Foreman of IndieWire rates it C-, saying Barbaro still shines. Jake Coyle of AP gives 2/4 stars, noting the film is neither bawdy nor sweet enough.

However, Matt Goldberg of The Wrap disagrees, praising Will Gluck’s world-building and the leads’ chemistry, calling it a “silly, delightful romantic comedy.” The film currently holds a 48% Rotten Tomatoes score. Despite the negative reviews, the charm of Barbaro and Turner keeps it watchable. If you’re intrigued by the premise, it’s in theaters now.