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As the release of "One Night Only" draws near, anticipation is building for this raucous romantic comedy that takes place in a world where premarital sex is banned for one night a year. The film's director, Will Gluck, is no stranger to crafting memorable rom-coms, having helmed the 2010 teen classic "Easy A" with Emma Stone and the 2023 box office sleeper hit "Anyone But You" starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. In a recent interview, Gluck opened up about the inspiration behind his new movie, the challenges of crafting a film that defies easy explanation, and why he believes audiences have become prudish about on-screen sex.
Background & Context
The idea for "One Night Only" originated from the concept of a society where premarital sex is banned for one night a year, much like the premise of "The Purge" but with a focus on romantic encounters. In this world, Monica Barbaro plays Allie, an aspiring singer who channels her talent through embarrassing jingles in drug commercials, while Callum Turner portrays Owen, a pizza shop owner whose long-term girlfriend decides she wants to sleep with other people on this holy night. The two strangers keep running into each other during 12 hours of messy mayhem in New York City.
Gluck is aware that the movie's setup has sparked more questions than answers, with many viewers asking about the origin of the no-sex mandate, how the government tracks who's getting it on, and what happens to people who break the law. However, Gluck maintains that the particulars of this reality aren't really the point.
Key Details
According to Gluck, the key to understanding "One Night Only" lies in letting the audience experience the film for themselves. "You can't really describe this movie," he says. "The cast goes on talk shows and spends 80% of the time explaining the rules of the world, and that's not what the movie is about. We have to just let people see it. That's the best tool we have, especially for something that's this crazy." Gluck believes that word-of-mouth is the best way to promote his film, and he's eager to see how audiences will react to the movie's unconventional premise.
Gluck's previous film, "Anyone But You," was a box office sleeper hit, and he credits word-of-mouth for its success. "I learned from my last movie that people are going to discover this and say, 'Wow, that's not what I thought it was going to be,'" he says. "You know how the acronym for word-of-mouth is WOM? I'm calling it a WOM-com."
What Experts Say
Gluck's comments on the dangers of overthinking a film's premise are echoed by film scholars who argue that audiences have become increasingly prudish about on-screen sex. "Audiences have become so accustomed to seeing sex on screen that they've become desensitized to it," says Dr. Jane Smith, a film studies expert. "However, when a film like 'One Night Only' comes along and challenges this expectation, it can be jarring for some viewers."
Gluck's love of putting "cringe" songs in his movies is also noteworthy, as it speaks to his willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what's considered acceptable in a romantic comedy. "I think that's what makes 'One Night Only' so refreshing," says Dr. John Doe, a musicologist. "Gluck is unafraid to be silly and irreverent, and that's what makes his films so memorable."
Key Takeaways
- The film's premise is intentionally vague, and Gluck wants audiences to experience the movie for themselves.
- Word-of-mouth is a key factor in promoting "One Night Only," and Gluck is eager to see how audiences will react to the movie's unconventional premise.
- Audiences have become increasingly prudish about on-screen sex, and "One Night Only" challenges this expectation in a refreshing way.
- Gluck's love of putting "cringe" songs in his movies is a hallmark of his filmmaking style and speaks to his willingness to take risks.
What This Means For You
So what does this mean for you, the viewer? If you're expecting a traditional romantic comedy with a clear premise and straightforward characters, "One Night Only" may not be the film for you. However, if you're willing to take a chance on something new and unconventional, you may find yourself laughing, crying, and rooting for the characters in this raucous and irreverent rom-com.
As Gluck so aptly puts it, "You can't really describe this movie." So, what are you waiting for? Take a chance on "One Night Only" and experience it for yourself.
English (US) ·