Este Haim and Monica Barbaro Forge Instant Bond on Set of One Night Only as Film Hits Theaters

At the New York City premiere of One Night Only on Monday, August 3, Este Haim couldn’t stop gushing about her co-star Monica Barbaro. “Me and Monica definitely bonded over feeling like we were kids that wandered onto a movie set,” the 40-year-old musician and actress told PEOPLE, capturing the delightful disbelief that often accompanies unexpected career pivots. “I think we were both just like, ‘How did we get here?’ But we’re glad that we did. Monica’s the best. We have the same sense of humor. I love her so much. We have the best time.” That genuine affection translates directly to the screen in Universal Pictures’ new romantic comedy, which arrives in theaters nationwide on August 7.

One Night Only stars Barbaro, 36, as Allie, a self-described “hopeful romantic” who crosses paths with Owen (Callum Turner) during a single, fantastical night in a slightly fictionalized New York City when single people are permitted to be intimate without consequence. What begins as a spark quickly spirals into a series of missteps and side quests that keep the pair perpetually out of sync even as they race toward and away from each other across the city. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Maya Hawke, Ziwe, Ben Marshall, Molly Ringwald, King Princess, Julia Fox, and LeVar Burton, creating a vibrant tapestry of characters navigating modern love’s chaos and charm.

Haim appears in a supporting role and also composed the film’s original score alongside Christopher Stracey, with whom she previously collaborated on Anyone But You. Her dual contribution underscores her growing versatility as both performer and creator. Yet despite her expanding résumé, which includes acting roles in Dollface (2019), Licorice Pizza (2021), and Shell (2024), plus music for Netflix’s Voicemails for Isabelle earlier this year, she still approaches sets with wide-eyed wonder. That humility extends to her interactions with co-stars; she confessed her one unfulfilled goal was making Callum Turner break character. “He wouldn’t do it,” she laughed. “That was my one goal, and I haven’t achieved it. I never achieved it.” His steadfast professionalism only deepened her respect for him, adding another layer to the film’s authentic on-screen dynamic.

Beyond the laughter and camaraderie, One Night Only prompted Haim to reflect more seriously on relationships. Having married tech entrepreneur Jonathan Levin on New Year’s Eve 2025, she sees the film’s themes as affirming a truth she lives by: love requires ongoing effort. “You should always keep pursuing, even if you’re in a relationship,” she said. “I think that you should always be dating. You should always be working towards having a better relationship. Relationships are work, and I think people forget about that.” At the same time, she offered equally warm advice for those unattached: “If you’re single, go have fun. Go have a good time.” This balanced perspective celebrating both committed partnership and joyful independence mirrors the film’s own tonal tightrope between whimsy and emotional honesty.

The premiere itself was a star-studded affair, with attendees including Andrew Garfield, who made a rare public appearance holding hands with Barbaro at the after-party, further fueling excitement around the film’s cultural moment. Also present were director Will Gluck, Molly Ringwald, Ziwe, King Princess, and Jacqueline Monetta, all gathered at SVA Theatre to celebrate a project that feels distinctly of its time yet timeless in its exploration of human connection.

For Haim, One Night Only represents more than just another credit; it’s a testament to creative cross-pollination and the unexpected friendships that emerge when artists step outside their comfort zones. Her bond with Barbaro, forged in shared uncertainty and sustained by mutual admiration, embodies the very spirit of the film: that sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when you least expect them, whether on a movie set or during a single, magical night in New York. As audiences head to theaters this week, they’ll find not only a charming rom-com but also the palpable joy of two women who found each other in the beautiful absurdity of showing up, unsure but willing, ready to see where the story might lead.