Writer-director Will Gluck's latest film, 'One Night Only,' presents a premise that reconfigures the romantic comedy genre by introducing a government-mandated sex ban. The film, which follows two characters who meet and fall in love over a single night, operates within a society where consensual sex between single individuals is illegal for 354 days a year. This 'mandate,' in effect for three years at the time of the movie's setting, is enforced through endorphin-tracking sensors implanted in citizens' wrists.
Gluck acknowledged that the film intentionally leaves many questions about its premise unanswered, encouraging audiences to ponder the societal implications. "There's a lot of things in the movie that we kind of explained as much as we want to explain," he stated in an interview, "All the questions you're asking, I want people to ask them to each other in the theater."
Despite this, Gluck did offer insights into some of the foundational elements of the film's world. The law enabling the sex ban was, according to a scene in the movie featuring Molly Ringwald and Levar Burton, passed by Congress with an extremely narrow margin, reportedly 50.01 to 49.9 percent. The Supreme Court has not intervened, as Gluck noted, "The Supreme Court very rarely gets involved in legislation." While the possibility of the law being overturned exists, Gluck expressed hope for a reversal, stating, "Gee, I hope so."
The film also explores how citizens adapt to the mandate. Marriage remains a legal avenue for sexual activity, and Gluck noted that marriage rates have likely increased. However, a stipulation requires couples to remain married for at least a year and a day before they can divorce, preventing rapid serial marriages for sexual access. For those seeking to circumvent the law, international travel is presented as an option, with airlines advertising trips to destinations like Cuba, France, and Amsterdam where sex remains legal.
International tourists visiting the U.S. must adhere to its laws, receiving a biosensor implant upon entry. Gluck mentioned that a deleted scene even featured a British character discussing her sensor, which she acquired at the airport. The film does not explicitly detail the punishment for violating the mandate, but Gluck speculated that it likely involves fines and potentially jail time for repeat offenses.
Gluck drew a parallel between the societal adjustment to the sex ban and the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that even in the face of restrictive policies, humans adapt and move on. While the movie acknowledges resistance, such as an "F the Mandate" protest, Gluck believes such movements exist alongside a general resignation to the current reality. "My belief? Yes, there's huge rallies all the time against this," he said, "but on this day, for the people who are not married, they gotta do what they gotta do."
Regarding the scarcity of condoms, a plot point where the main characters struggle to find protection, Gluck explained that the demand on this single night of the year leads to them being sold out. He likened this to the initial scarcity of masks during the pandemic, where finding one could be a challenge despite widespread availability over time. 'One Night Only' is set to release in theaters on August 7.