The latest project from Adolescence (2025) director Philip Barantini isn’t a movie, but an hour-long music film that captures British musician Ed Sheeran in one continuous take, as he moves around New York City performing his biggest hits. 

Locations featured in One Shot With Ed Sheeran – A Music Experience include open-top tour buses, the New York City subway and special events such as a surprise marriage proposal. 

As you can imagine, some planning had to take place to ensure Sheeran’s safety. Especially since the purpose of this was not to see what headline-making scenarios came to pass during the shoot, thank goodness. 

As predicted, my favourite thing about Barantini’s film is seeing how much joy Sheeran’s presence brought to several of the people he encountered. My other favourite thing is playing ‘spot the security personnel.’ Not that attempts were made to hide them, mind you, nor should there have been. 

A word that came to mind more than once while watching One Shot was ‘awkward.’ Some of Sheeran’s interactions with strangers had that clearly uncomfortable energy, and at times it felt like I was eavesdropping, especially because he rarely looked at the camera. If he’d occasionally addressed viewers directly, almost like a vlogger taking us along for the day, I think I’d have enjoyed the experience more.

Watching Barantini’s film reminded me of how unnerving it can be to watch someone rush across a busy city street. Particularly when the way the moment is captured doesn’t show you, the audience, how close the cars are. And Sheeran crossing the street was captured in this way several times. 

Overall, I’d describe the experience of watching One Shot as ‘just okay.’ It’s likely better appreciated by Sheeran’s biggest fans. As such, I say watch it if you’re a big fan or super curious. For me, the continuous-shot format is far more impressive when there’s drama involved. Whereas in a music film like this, it felt more like a novelty than a storytelling tool.

Have you seen One Shot with Ed Sheeran? What did you think? 

Happy Film Loving, 

G