Ed Sheeran has swapped stadium stages for the bustling streets of New York in his latest project for Netflix, a unique hour-long special titled One Shot. Teaming up with acclaimed director Philip Barantini, known for the single-shot film Adolescence, Sheeran delivers a continuous, real-time performance that feels more like an extended, interactive music video than a traditional documentary.
A Cinematic Stroll Through Sheeran's Songbook
The special, filmed in one seamless take, follows the 34-year-old father as he leaves his rehearsals at the Manhattan Centre and decides to explore the city in the hour before his gig. Armed with just his guitar, Sheeran turns New York into his personal stage. He surprises rooftop party-goers, helps a fan propose to his girlfriend, serenades taxi drivers, and delights unsuspecting passengers on the subway with a run-through of his greatest hits.
The journey through his discography is a treat for fans, spanning from his 2011 breakout single, The A Team, to energetic crowd-pleasers like Sing and more recent tracks such as Galway Girl and Azizam. The organic nature of the performances, often aided by excited fans taking selfies, creates a raw and intimate atmosphere.
Celebrity Cameos and Fleeting Personal Glimpses
The pop star gets a helping hand from frequent collaborator Camilla Cabello, who picks him up in a four-by-four for a scene that will feel familiar to fans of Carpool Karaoke. The pair deliver a charming duet of Sheeran's 2015 song, Photograph, with Cabello feigning surprise at his presence in the city.
While the special is light on the kind of candid revelations found in his 2023 docuseries, The Sum of It All, Sheeran does offer a couple of personal nuggets. While walking through the city, he briefly recounts the story of his calamitous proposal to his wife, Cherry Seaborn, revealing that he ended up getting down on one knee in their kitchen after rain ruined his original romantic plans. He also later tells Cabello that his two young daughters, Lyra and Jupiter, would be excited to see her when he invites her over for spaghetti bolognese.
Final Verdict: A Must for Fans, a Curiosity for Others
One Shot is ultimately a showcase of two talents: Ed Sheeran's effortless performing charm and Philip Barantini's exceptional cinematography. The technical achievement of the continuous shot is hypnotic and will leave viewers wondering how certain complex sequences were accomplished.
For dedicated Sheeran followers, this special is an unmissable and affordable trip down memory lane, far cheaper than a tour ticket. However, those hoping for deep personal insights or who are not ardent fans of his music may find their attention waning. The special is available to stream now on Netflix.
