This romantic comedy showcases Italy and its cuisine beautifully but it feels slightly forced.
It seems in recent years that it has become difficult to write a romantic comedy that works for modern audiences and while Kat Cairo has created a lovely looking film that is frames the country and cuisine beautifully, it feels as though Ryan Engle’s script is a little bit flimsy.
You, Me & Tuscany follows that of Anna who has put her dreams of being a chef on hold due to the death of her mother. Instead she works as a house sitter but takes things a bit too far by living vicariously through her clients lives – something that is taken even further when she meets Matteo an Italian who lives in Florence, whose house she decides to visit on a whim and then makes out she is engaged to Matteo which is further complicated when she meets Michael, Matteo’s cousin.
Throughout, there is certainly plenty of bubbly charm to it, but there feels like a lack of development of chemistry between the central characters Anna and Michael to really feel as though you are invested in the outcome. This being said, the film has been gorgeously filmed and makes the most of its surroundings and the side characters are all delightful – you can see how and why Anna really gets close to Matteo’s family.
With his screenplay, Ryan Engle has created a lovely premise – it is just a shame that Anna in particular feels such a clumsily written character and it is amazing that she gets away with her deception and is forgiven so quickly. This is not the fault of Halle Bailey, who really offers enough charm to ensure that the character is likeable if flawed and ensures that it is a joy for the character to rediscover her dreams. Regé-Jean Page as Michael is a wonderful romantic leading man – plenty of charisma, increasing vulnerability and slightly cockiness that is easy to see why Anna falls for him- it is just a shame that there is not more time spent on their relationship being developed. But Matteo and Michael’s family are wonderfully bold, endearing and instantly likeable – brought to life but a wonderfully warm supporting cast
There is a solid pace to it, but it does feel as though that the climax is rather rushed through and there isn’t enough time for Anna to truly redeem herself.
Overall, while You, Me & Tuscany has plenty of charm and fun about it, it feels as though the script is a bit of a missed opportunity to make something with more emotional depth.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️