By: Mariah Thomas
When two young college students meet one another on a genuine level for a conversation without intention, viewers get a first hand seat to see their connection grow. Being dropped directly into their initial chat allows for viewers to further understand the characters. For both parties, you are able to meet the version of the other just as they do – without too much backstory and learning information as the night melts into the next day. One Night takes viewers deeper into the question, “What does love at first sight look like?”
Margaret (Rain Spencer) and Will (Jackson Reid Kelly) attend a Psych class together and begin a conversation. Starting their evening at a diner and making their way back to Will’s place, the two indulge in non stop discussion. Covering topics from debating the animated films Happy Feet vs Surf’s Up and an array of more sensitive subjects, they both get deeply intimate with their dialogue. The following morning Margaret must deal with reality when she makes a shocking discovery that could change the mood from everything that happened the night prior.
I enjoyed the complexity of this short more than anything. As a viewer you are along for the ride with Margret. There is an understanding to that genuine connection. However, when new information is learned alongside of her, as the viewer you also question everything. What were Will’s intentions? Was their connection genuine? Will their friendship continue? Is she blind for not realizing the truth before? This short would be an incredible long form film or TV show to further explore the questions you are left with. It is fitting that it stars “The Summer I Turned Pretty’s” Rain Spencer as audiences already have a connection and understanding of her complex portrayal of Taylor, so this leaves the door open to want more. Though Taylor and Margaret are vastly different, they both are two young girls trying to figure their love lives out.
Both written and directed by sibling duo Maggie Brown and Tyler Brown, One Night is sure to be a Tribeca favorite. It is a concept that is relatable to most audiences. Even if you aren’t living it, it is something you may reflect on a past experience about. Directing wise, there is an incredibly intimate ambiance that is created from the first shot that stays consistent throughout the entire short.
One Night is part of Tribeca’s 2026 Short Narrative segment and without a doubt, I can see this being a standout for the festival as the narrative will be highly relatable to most. On the other hand, it opens up a great story that will have people craving a longer format.