One Night Only

Will Gluck, the director behind Easy A and Friends with Benefits, returns to the romantic comedy genre with this 2026 film. The story follows Allie (Monica Barbaro) and Owen (Callum Turner), two single New Yorkers who collide on the one night each year when unattached people are legally permitted to have sex. Gluck's signature blend of sharp dialogue and heartfelt moments drives the narrative. The supporting cast includes Maya Hawke, Julia Fox, King Princess, and Ziwe. Shot on location around New York City, the film captures the city's electric energy. With a runtime of 1 hour 42 minutes and an R rating, One Night Only balances raunchy humor with genuine romantic stakes. The movie is currently in post-production, set for release on July 28, 2026. This is not part of a franchise, but Gluck's track record suggests a smart, character-driven romp.[edit]

In a near-future New York City, the government has established an annual National Singles Night, a 24-hour period when unmarried adults are legally permitted to engage in sexual activity without social or legal consequence. Allie (Monica Barbaro), a career-driven architect in her early thirties, has meticulously planned her life and views the event with cynical amusement. Owen (Callum Turner), a charming but directionless freelance photographer, sees it as a chance for reinvention after a recent breakup.

Their paths cross when a subway mishap leaves Allie stranded in Brooklyn without her phone or wallet. Owen offers help, and what begins as a transactional arrangement evolves into an unexpected connection. Over the course of the night, they navigate a chaotic street festival in Times Square, an underground party hosted by eccentric artists (Julia Fox and King Princess), and a quiet diner at 3 AM where vulnerability surfaces. Allie's rigid control clashes with Owen's spontaneity, while supporting characters, Allie's pragmatic best friend (Maya Hawke), Owen's sardonic sister (Ziwe), and a wisecracking diner owner (LeVar Burton), push them toward honesty.

The middle act deepens as both confront past traumas: Allie's betrayal by a former partner and Owen's unresolved feelings for his ex. The clock ticks toward dawn and the end of the legally sanctioned window, forcing them to decide what they truly want.[edit]