One Shot with Ed Sheeran is a one-hour special that debuted on Netflix in late November, and it has a simple, enjoyable conceit: The popular singer/songwriter walks around New York City with his guitar, playing his different hits in various settings, whether it’s a traditional concert venue, a park, a bus, or a subway.
The twist? The whole hour is purportedly filmed in one take, as what appears to be a sophisticated camera setup follows Sheeran around the city, whether he’s walking, riding in a car, or in other vehicle, or getting around some other way. The film was even directed by Adolescence director Philip Barantini, a man associated with one-ers.
The songs are good. New York looks great, whether it’s the High Line park or the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. He’s very charming and affable.
A Little Too Perfect
If anything, it’s all a little too perfect. I kept wondering just exactly how on the level this film is, and how much of what it claims to be is true.
I kept being reminded of the movie 1917, an Oscar contender from a few years ago that’s now barely remembered. It was meant to look like it was all shot in one take, but it wasn’t; after all, the entire massive production of a war movie didn’t take place in two hours. Instead, they hid specific cuts. The same was true of the Oscar-winning film Birdman, also shot in Manhattan.
Did that happen with the Ed Sheeran film too?
I’m a bit suspicious, mostly because nothing especially bad or unplanned ever happens. Sheeran never gets heckled, or mobbed. No one ever reacts to him with anything other than respectful joy. The sound is, at all times, completely perfect, as is the weather. And I don’t even want to think about all the people who had to sign releases.
Everyone is always right in time with every cue and yes, that includes the subway train, and Camila Cabello driving up in a car. You’d think they’d be more at the mercy of New York City traffic, and there is one scene, one top of a double-decker bus, when Sheeran “fast-forwards” through the traffic.
Beyond that, I was just nervous about Sheeran walking around with his guitar and no case, and getting in cars and train cars. I’d have been worried about damaging it.
The One Shot special is a lot of fun, and I’m glad I watched it. It’s not quite as spontaneous as it claims it is.
