Callum Turner stars in a new romantic comedy set in an alternate America where premarital sex is banned by a totalitarian regime. The film explores a dystopian society governed by Trumpian-style zealots who enforce chastity through mass surveillance, electronic implants, and swift arrests. Within this world, the government allows an annual 12-hour exemption—referred to as a “one night only” period—during which citizens can engage openly in sexual activity.

Turner plays Owen, a pizza chef who meets aspiring singer Allie, portrayed by Monica Barbaro, in a New York City setting. Their relationship follows familiar rom-com tropes, including a meet-cute and a series of misunderstandings that delay their union until the film’s concluding scenes. The story makes numerous allusions to classic romantic films like *Sleepless in Seattle* and *An Affair to Remember*, while attempting to blend dystopian themes reminiscent of George Orwell with the lightheartedness typical of Nora Ephron’s work.

Despite its attempts at charm, several critics have described the film as an unusual and uneven effort, struggling to balance its premise with the comedic and romantic elements expected in the genre. Scenes set during the mandated exemption period depict raucous behavior in Manhattan, featuring people engaging in overt and often exaggerated displays of passion across public spaces. These moments, intended to be zany and humorous, have been viewed by some as unsettling or dehumanizing, at times appearing to align unintentionally with the oppressive tones of the film’s depicted regime.

The film also touches on protest, albeit minimally, with the characters chanting slogans opposing the mandate; however, this is seen as a subdued nod compared to classic dystopian resistance motifs like Winston Smith’s iconic inscriptions in *1984*. Director Will Gluck, known for previous romantic comedies such as *Easy A* and *Friends with Benefits*, is noted to face challenges adapting to this darker, politically charged storyline, resulting in uneven pacing and a lack of the usual comedic spark.

Performance-wise, Callum Turner’s portrayal of Owen is characterized by a restrained style, relying frequently on a stoic expression and physical presence. Monica Barbaro’s Allie is described as reserved, contributing to the film’s overall tone that some reviewers find bland and lacking emotional depth. While the movie attempts to engage with contemporary cultural and political issues—drawing parallels to recent abstinence-only education policies in the United States—it does so without strong critical engagement, leaving some audiences uncertain about its intended message.

The film is currently screening in cinemas and represents Turner’s third major release within a year, coinciding with discussions about his potential future role as the next James Bond.