Danny (Rob Lowe) and Bernie (Jim Belushi) are good friends who live in Windy City. While walking around the streets, Bernie boasts about his latest romantic conquest, and Danny listens eagerly. Later, they enjoy playing baseball with their close friends, and a group of women watch them play from a distance, enjoying the spectacle. Debbie (Demi Moore) and Joan (Elizabeth Perkins) are part of this group. When Debbie offers to go on a beer run for her friends, she meets Danny, who offers to help her. Their conversation is filled with innuendo and flirtation, and Debbie walks away smiling. Later that night, when Danny and his baseball team celebrate their win at a local bar, Debbie and Joan also appear. Throughout the night, Danny and Debbie exchange lingering looks, leading to a proper introduction and further conversations. Their flirtations and sparks lead to a night of passion, but Debbie leaves in the middle of the night feeling ashamed.
The next day, Debbie returns home and excitedly shares the details of her evening with Danny. She admits she had a fantastic night, claiming that Danny is gorgeous. On the other hand, Danny and Bernie share about their conquests again while walking. Danny seems different this time as he openly shares that he felt Debbie was fun to be with, unlike another woman he’s been with. Danny decides to contact Debbie by phone, inviting her for another catch-up. As a twist, Danny brings along his best friend Bernie, and Debbie brings Joan for support. The night ends with Danny and Debbie sharing a bed once again, and after a couple of hookups and one-night stands, Danny and Debbie question one significant aspect of their relationship. Both wonder if they are happy with the way things are or if they would prefer a relationship that’s based more on love rather than just sex and late-night passion. While Danny and Debbie consider their future and spend more quality time together, Bernie and Joan disapprove of Danny and Debbie’s new relationship.
About Last Night can be best described as a romantic comedy. To my surprise, the film also introduces a strong aspect of drama as Danny and Debbie grapple with their emotions and affections for one another, discovering something more profound than just a one-night stand or flings. Debbie wants to be there for Danny when something affects him, and she wants to support him completely. Naturally, aspects of their past also challenge the pair from moving forward, including past relationships or displeased friends. For those unaware, About Last Night is based on Sexual Perversity in Chicago, a well-known Broadway play, and was directed by Edward Zwick, who is known for making drama and romance films.
While I didn’t find this film relatable, I found it engaging, especially the leading characters, Danny and Debbie. The film explores the transition from one-night stands to an authentic, loving relationships and other challenges such as living together, work dramas, and unsupportive friends. I wondered if Danny and Debbie would stay together in the end or if they would return to their old ways of focusing on sex and one-night stands instead.
The performances in About Last Night were excellent. While the main actors deliver their roles competently, the dialogue feels unnatural, perhaps due to the film’s stage play origins. The actors seemed more focused on providing their lines with finesse than on making the dialogue feel authentic. Additionally, some viewers may find the moments of nudity unnecessary.
Overall, when a couple whose relationship has always been focused on sex soon discover something new called ‘love’, I found myself wondering how they would handle it and adjust moving forward. They face challenges such as old habits, disagreements with friends, and past romances, all of which put their newfound love at risk, making for a compelling and engaging story for audiences. The performances were good, and it was clear that the film was based on a stage play. The story is unpredictable and offers more than just a familiar romantic comedy. About Late Night also carries excellent dramatic moments, which I found satisfying.
6.0/10
8th May 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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