Did Ed Sheeran Really Film Netflix’s “One Shot” in One Continuous Take?

There’s been scepticism online about whether Netflix’s “One Shot with Ed Sheeran” is actually filmed in one continuous take, as advertised. I’m firmly in the believer camp, but with some important caveats about what “one shot” actually means here.

The Director’s Track Record Says It All

The special was directed by Philip Barantini, best known for his one-take expertise in both the Netflix series Adolescence and the nerve-wracking restaurant thriller Boiling Point. This isn’t a director dabbling in a trendy technique, it’s someone who’s built their reputation on executing these complex shoots. That pedigree alone makes me believe they pulled it off.

The Evidence is in the Imperfections

The real giveaway for me is the janky camerawork during the Camila Cabello scene. As Ed and Camila drive through New York, the camera, presumably mounted to the vehicle or filming from a rig, bounces around noticeably. It’s rough enough that I’m convinced they would have reshot that segment if they were willing to break the one-take premise. Those imperfections feel like proof of authenticity.

Here’s where it gets interesting: what we’re watching isn’t the first attempt. Ed himself has confirmed they did multiple full run-throughs. So while it is genuinely filmed in one continuous sequence, they rehearsed and executed it more than once. That’s a crucial distinction.

The bus scene particularly struck me as evidence of this. The interactions feel rehearsed, and that fast-forward sequence offered a perfect opportunity for cuts if they’d needed one. The reality is that pulling off this shoot required careful choreography, with routes mapped, permits secured, and “spontaneous” encounters planned down to the second.

The Staged Authenticity Problem

My biggest criticism isn’t whether it’s technically one shot, it’s the way the special presents obviously staged moments as organic encounters. This is New York City. You don’t just film a major production without permits, closed streets, and carefully positioned participants. The taxi driver is suspiciously chatty for NYC, the proposal feels pre-arranged (though I’m sure the couple is genuine), and those “chance” meetings required serious logistics.

The proposee’s reaction particularly didn’t sit right with me, though I acknowledge people react differently to major life moments, especially with Ed Sheeran providing the soundtrack.

Is This Criticism Fair?

Probably not entirely. We accept this kind of theatrical staging in most entertainment. Pointing out that The Office is scripted doesn’t diminish its quality. The same applies here. What matters is whether the one-take execution delivers something special, and largely, it does. Ed Sheeran has genuine talent with his loop pedals, his street-performance roots shine through, and watching someone navigate a complex choreographed journey in real-time has inherent appeal.

The Verdict

Yes, it’s one continuous shot. No, it wasn’t spontaneous. Yes, it took multiple attempts. And that’s perfectly fine. What we’re watching is an impressive technical achievement that required meticulous planning and a performer comfortable enough to execute a 58-minute performance across Manhattan without safety nets.

It’s also a reminder that in our current media landscape, separating what’s “real” from what’s “performed” has become increasingly difficult, and perhaps less relevant than whether something entertains and impresses. On both counts, “One Shot” succeeds more often than it stumbles.