‘You, Me and Tuscany’ Is a Fun Rom-Com That Proves Whimsy Is Still in (Review)

It seems the top-trending movies so far this year have all fallen into the dark drama category. However, “You, Me and Tuscany” is a refreshing break from intense emotions, thought-provoking topics and ambiguous endings. The film is a light-hearted, family-friendly rom-com that will have you laughing out loud and dreaming of having your own adventure in Tuscany.

The movie stars Halle Bailey as Anna, a culinary school dropout turned house sitter who decides to squat in an Italian stranger’s abandoned home. In the process, she and a vineyard owner, Michael (portrayed by Regé-Jean Page), begin a beautiful romance set in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. Here’s my spoiler-free review of the film, so you can see it while it’s still playing in theaters!

The Film’s Plot

At the beginning of the film, we quickly learn Anna’s backstory and her motivation. The movie opens with Anna waking up in a luxury penthouse, with viewers assuming this is part of her normal routine: getting dressed, greeting the doorman and walking her absolutely adorable dog.

However, we soon find out that the beautiful dress, cute dog, and six-figure penthouse don’t belong to her. She runs into the home’s real owner, who is horrified and a bit confused about why Anna is wearing her dress and pretending to be her.

Anna then explicitly explains why she enjoys pretending to live other people’s lives. It felt a bit preachy and over-explanatory, especially since she touches on it again less than 20 minutes later when she meets the handsome Italian stranger, Matteo. I would have preferred to see Anna slowly come to this realization through her dialogue with Matteo or even toward the end of the film, rather than being told outright.

Anna is supposed to be an impulsive twenty-something. I don’t quite picture her as someone who has the time or self-awareness to deeply reflect on her actions. Reiterating that she uses house-sitting and different personas to cope with her mother’s death makes the dialogue feel a little stiff early on.

Still, the opening is entertaining, especially when we are introduced to her friend Claire.

I have mixed feelings about Claire. Aziza Scott does a good job playing the outspoken, no-nonsense friend, but at times her character straddles a fine line between comedic relief and the sassy Black woman trope, with exaggerated reactions and heavy slang.

How This Film Portrays Blackness

Speaking of slang, throughout the movie, it feels like the writer, Ryan Engle, went on Urban Dictionary or #BlackTikTok, looked up popular phrases, and inserted them into the script. This makes some of the dialogue feel a bit forced and, at times, cringeworthy. It raises the question: Is this meant to feel authentic, or is it written to make a love story with two Black leads more palatable to a broader audience?

I would describe “You, Me and Tuscany” as a mainstream romantic comedy that happens to have two Black leads.

I wouldn’t necessarily consider it a “Black film” because it doesn’t center Blackness or identity. Anna is a young woman grieving her mother. Through a huge white lie and a spontaneous trip across the world, she regains her passion, falls in love and begins to live her own life. Her growth comes from her experiences, not from her racial identity.

Anna also falls in love with Michael, who is Black and Matteo’s cousin. Their dynamic, especially their competitive nature, is emphasized more than Michael’s cultural background. In fact, we learn very little about him beyond the basics: his mother is Matteo’s aunt. Also, he was raised in England, which explains his accent.

We don’t get to explore what it might have been like for Michael as a Black man in Italy. Or growing up in a family where he looks different from everyone else. At the same time, this isn’t a film centered on struggle or identity. So, that absence seems more like a missed opportunity than a flaw in the premise.

After watching the film, it feels like we still don’t know much about Michael as a person. Of course, beyond the fact that he enjoys making wine, has killer abs and appreciates nostalgic love songs. Cue Mario’s “Let Me Love You.”

The chemistry between Anna and Michael isn’t intense or fiery, but more of a slow burn. Fortunately, we’re able to watch their relationship unfold against the beautiful backdrop of Tuscany. Some scenes were also filmed in Rome to capture an authentic atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this film exceeded my expectations. When I first saw the trailer, I thought it would be corny and predictable. Instead, it kept me entertained, invested in the story and smiling throughout. It’s definitely a comfort film.

While drama seemingly dominates cinema, “You, Me and Tuscany” proves that whimsy, fun, and good vibes can make a movie just as good. 

Featured image credit: HeyUGuys.com