We live in the era of the jump cut, 15-second videos, and fragmented attention spans. That’s why one of the biggest pop stars on the planet betting everything on the opposite approach—absolute continuity—is not just an aesthetic decision; it’s almost an act of rebellion. ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran arrives to break the fourth wall of digital perfection. There are no tricks, no pauses for makeup touch-ups, and, most terrifying for any artist: there is no safety net. The premise is a logistical suicide turned into art: one uninterrupted hour following Ed Sheeran through the heart of New York City. From the roofs of skyscrapers to the subway underground, the camera doesn’t blink. The goal is to capture the static electricity generated when a stadium idol returns, for a brief time, to being a street musician at the mercy of the Big Apple’s chaos.
The Tamer of Tension: Philip Barantini
For this mission, Sheeran didn’t call a music video director, but a master of cinematic stress: Philip Barantini. If the name doesn’t sound familiar, his work will: he is the man responsible for Boiling Point, the movie that left you breathless following the service of a professional kitchen in a single take, and the series Adolescence. Barantini knows how to handle the pressure when the word “cut” doesn’t exist. Here, the director swaps the claustrophobia of a kitchen for the unpredictability of Fifth Avenue. Along with his Director of Photography, Nyk Allen, they designed a choreography where the camera must “dance” with Ed, dodging real pedestrians and reacting to the natural light that changes minute by minute. It’s an exercise in technical tightrope walking where the camera operator is as much a protagonist as the singer.
The Miracle of Invisible Sound
What the viewer sees is Ed walking; what they don’t see is the technical nightmare that makes it possible. The sound team, led by Fulwell Entertainment, had to solve an impossible puzzle: mixing Sheeran’s voice and acoustic guitar in real-time with the roar of sirens, construction, and horns of New York, all while the microphones remain invisible and the engineers sprint behind the camera.
The City as Co-star (and Villain)
New York doesn’t act; New York happens. And in ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran, the city proves it doesn’t respect rank. There is a moment of “pure reality” that no script could improve: Sheeran, guitar slung over his shoulder, tries to hail a yellow taxi. The first one completely ignores him and drives right by—an instant dose of humility. When the second one finally stops, the magic happens: the driver not only lets Ed in but allows the cameraperson to hop into the front seat, turning his taxi into an impromptu rolling stage.
Return to the Underground
The descent into the subway is perhaps the most symbolic part. Ed reverts to the busker he was in his early days, but now the reaction is not indifference, but pandemonium. We see the transformation on the faces of the commuters: from the fatigue of their routine to absolute shock at seeing that the ginger singing on the platform is not an imitator, but the genuine Ed.
Serendipity on Wheels: The Camila Cabello Moment
In the middle of this frenzy, one of those encounters that seem written by destiny occurs. While walking, Ed crosses paths with a car driven by none other than pop star Camila Cabello. The interaction is delightfully awkward and genuine. “What are you doing in New York?” she asks, visibly surprised. Ed, seizing the moment, asks her for a lift to his next destination. What follows is a “Carpool Karaoke” without James Corden, without a script, and with the real chemistry of two friends (who previously collaborated on the hit “Bam Bam”) navigating the New York traffic.
‘Play’: The Soundtrack of Joy
This entire special serves as a vehicle for “Play,” the album with which Sheeran has decided to leave behind the mathematical melancholy of his previous records (Subtract, Autumn Variations) to embrace “technicolor.” Ed has described this stage as a conscious attempt to seek happiness after dark times. During the documentary, the new songs take on a different life outdoors:
- “Azizam”: The Persian-influenced single (meaning “dear”) resonates differently amid the urban noise than it did in its wedding video.
- “Camera”: A ballad produced by ILYA that talks about the beginning of a relationship, performed here with an intimacy that contrasts with the city’s magnitude.
- “Sapphire” and “Old Phone”: Tracks that mix nostalgia with synthetic pop rhythms, testing their efficacy before an audience that didn’t pay for a ticket.
Looking to the Future (and Beyond)
This special is the bridge to what comes next. Sheeran is preparing to embark on his “Loop Tour,” a tour that promises to take him to new territories, including confirmed stops in Latin America (Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala), further expanding his global empire beyond the usual destinations. But perhaps the most fascinating detail that contextualizes this vital moment for Ed is his long-term planning, so meticulous that it borders on the macabre. He recently revealed the existence of “Eject,” a conceptual album designed to be released exclusively posthumously. Sheeran has stipulated in his will that his wife, Cherry Seaborn, will be in charge of selecting the final tracks, ensuring his musical legacy is curated by him even after he is gone.
Premiere: The Art of Walking and Singing
ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran is more than a music special; it’s a document about human connection in an age of disconnection. It’s watching a superstar negotiate with reality, stumble, laugh, and sing through it. To see if he manages to arrive on time, how people react, and to feel the adrenaline of a one-hour one-shot, you just have to wait for the premiere. Available on Netflix starting November 21.
