This winter, Heated Rivalry captured the hearts of viewers at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, immerse yourself in a romance set beneath the Tuscan sun. For sunshine, longing, and love, check out You, Me & Tuscany, the newest film from director Kat Coiro.
In 2022, Coiro expressed her passion for the classic romantic comedy genre with Marry Me, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-esque narrative. Now, Coiro is back with another tale inspired by ’90s rom-coms. This time, her stars are Halle Bailey from The Little Mermaid and Regé-Jean Page of Bridgerton, surrounded by delightful characters.
What’s not to adore?
You, Me & Tuscany is essentially While You Were Sleeping set in Italy.
Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) along with his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited for the story of You, Me & Tuscany, with Ryan serving as the sole screenwriter. Although the credits don’t acknowledge the 1995 Sandra Bullock classic as a source of inspiration, the likeness is unmistakable.
In each film, a lonely young woman longs for a broader existence. Chicago transit employee Lucy (Bullock) hopes for a charming stranger. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once envisioned a trip to Italy with her mother. After her mother’s passing derailed those dreams, she is left struggling in Manhattan. That’s when she encounters Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).
Following a night together, Anna discovers that Matteo has a vineyard in Tuscany. She decides to spend her savings on a trip to Tuscany, not intending to intrude on his villa. However, like Lucy’s unforeseen meet-cute, life (in rom-coms) moves fast.
Anna finds a sparkling ring, tries it on, and is unable to remove it before Matteo’s family discovers her presence. Much like Lucy, she becomes embroiled in a misunderstanding: the family assumes she is his fiancée. The parallels continue with a brotherly complication.
In While You Were Sleeping, Lucy finds herself drawn to the brother of her comatose crush (Bill Pullman), creating a love triangle. Anna, on the other hand, is attracted to Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). Their sister Francesca (Stella Pecollo) clarifies the specifics. The central conflict remains: the heroine’s affections shift from the white-collar sibling to the rugged brother with a heart of gold.
It’s a fantastic storyline, enhanced by picturesque Italian locations, delectable cuisine, and elements of Black culture. Scenic views of Tuscany serve as a romantic backdrop, accompanied by R&B tracks such as Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.”
Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead an extraordinary cast.
Bailey shines and perfectly embodies the rom-com heroine. In the opening scenes, she struts like a fashion star, only to stumble into comedic moments reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s Nia Vardalos.
Page leans into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. As Michael, he is initially curt with Anna. After a rocky beginning, they discover shared experiences of heartache, ambition, and a mutual affection for wine and R&B. Anna texts her best friend about Michael: “Spicy White has a brother who’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!”
Claire (Aziza Scott) serves as the wise voice from a distance. In Italy, Anna makes friends with taxi driver Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who is always present with advice and snacks. De Moor brings playfulness to Matteo. The family is a delight, reminiscent of While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael are surrounded by a talkative sister, an opera-loving cousin, a hovering mother, a stern father, serenading uncles, enthusiastic nieces, and a watching nonna. Each character adds energy to this ensemble.
Coiro’s rom-com delivers on the swoon factor. She dresses the heroine in stylish fashion and captures Page at his most appealing. Beyond that, she casts vibrant performers. Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction) provide comedic relief, joking about grooming habits and Michael’s appeal. Coiro herself makes a cameo as a tourist taken aback by Anna and Michael’s chemistry.
You, Me & Tuscany will be cherished by rom-com enthusiasts for its homage to the genre. From a familiar framework to a romantic Tuscan setting, Engle conjures a vivid world of love and familial bonds. Coiro breathes life into this romance with a sparkling cast and a flair for whimsy and humor. Bailey and Page create an electrifying connection, weaving an enemies-to-lovers narrative filled with passion.
All of this makes You, Me & Tuscany a delightful film, calling to be watched in theaters. Just don’t forget to sneak in a sandwich, preferably a fancy Italian one. It’ll make for a perfect accompaniment.
You, Me & Tuscany premieres in theaters on April 10.