The Only One

The Only One is currently streaming in the US on Amazon Prime Video, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video, and it earns its romantic beats rather than assuming them. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 22 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. You will have strong feelings about it by the finale. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Amazon Prime Video.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Only One is worth clearing space for. The Only One earns its romantic beats rather than assuming them — a rarer quality than it sounds. On the brink of resigning herself to a life of independence and wanderlust, a young woman visits an old flame on his vineyard in France and takes one last shot at a committed relationship. Caitlin Stasey and Jon Beavers lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2021. Romance lives or dies on chemistry, and The Only One has it in the cast combination that the writers chose to put at the centre of everything. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For anyone who wants romantic drama that respects their intelligence, The Only One is a strong recommendation. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Caitlin Stasey is the anchor, and the work here is one of the more understated achievements in their career. The kind of thing you finish and immediately want more of.