YOU, ME & TUSCANY

You, Me & Tuscany nourishes audiences with a sincere romantic comedy as satisfying as a wholesome Italian meal, riding the magnetic romantic chemistry between Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page to deliver the genre’s magic that when combined with a committed supporting cast and the glorious vistas of Tuscany, results in a delightful theatrical experience.

It was not long ago that romantic comedies were opening monthly at the cinema, but since the dawn of streaming, the number of them that have graced the silver screen has dwindled drastically. Not only does You, Me & Tuscany deliver the big screen communal experience of the romantic comedy that fills the theatre with love and laughter that we are too often missing at the multiplex, it is an original studio film led by two actors of colour which is an achievement in itself to get greenlit. Under the direction of Kat Coiro, who is no stranger to the romantic comedy genre having last helmed the Jennifer Lopez starring Marry Me, there is a playful romantic energy that fills every scene in You, Me & Tuscany that is bolstered by the numerous shots of the gorgeous Italian countryside and cuisine which delivers a magical escape for viewers. But with the excellent pairing of Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, who have an undeniable and infectious romantic chemistry, at the centre of the film, You, Me & Tuscany easily sweeps audiences away with its charm and honest emotional sentiment that captures the joy and purity of the classic romantic comedy.

There is a simplicity to the story of You, Me & Tuscany that relies on the tried and proven formula of the romantic comedy genre. A down on her luck young woman, caught in a white lie and finds herself becoming a part of a family she never had, while she slowly begins to fall for the cousin of the man she is pretending to be engaged to, who at first she immediately clashes with. Unlike romantic comedies of recent years that have leaned heavily into the comedic aspects of the genre, delivering big and raunchy laugh out loud moments, husband and wife Ryan and Kristin Engle opt for smaller comedic moments and instead focus on the tender romance between the film’s two leads: Anna and Michael. By doing so, there is an emotional honesty to the film as Anna and Michael overcome their personal struggles and begin to come to terms with their true feelings for each other, allowing what started off as a small spark to  grow into a fairytale romance. Playing with themes of loss, family and honesty that help to create the swoon worthy moments audiences expect from such a film, the Engles create a comforting feeling from start to finish, giving no surprises as to where the story is going and promising exactly what audiences will expect from the film. Even though the Engles’ story plays a little too close to the Hallmark movie blueprint, which some viewers and critics may take issue with (but in this reviewer’s opinion is a strength to the film), the way they capture the earnest romantic comedy feeling that defined the genre in the 1990s makes for an enchanting escape to Tuscany that ignites the fire of the hopeless romantic in us all.

Romantic comedies either soar or crumble based on the performances of their leading stars, and Bailey and Page knock it out of the park. With a bubbly optimism, determination and joyfulness, Bailey is the strong-willed, hopeful and caring leading lady that any good romantic comedy deserves, and she does it with a magnetic screen presence that is simultaneously captivating and natural, proving she was always meant to be in a romantic comedy. Page has the disarming charm and looks to be the leading love interest with ease, and while he plays Michael’s initial displeasure with the tourist coming to his town with a privileged precision, he quickly melts Michael’s exterior and finds a passionate and caring young man in the character while creating the roadblocks on Michael’s inability to act on his feelings for Anna. But as a pairing, Bailey and Page are terrific together. Starting off with playful conflict as their characters clash, Bailey and Page quickly begin to simmer the romantic spark between their characters with small and intentional moments of honest connecting, letting the romance breathe like a nice glass of Italian wine, finding an undeniable passion that is as flavourful as all the mouth watering Italian dishes on display in the film. It’s their luminous connection as they effortlessly trust each other and give over to their characters’ undeniable feelings for each other that not only builds the heart of the film, but ensures that audiences are getting the earnest romance they have come for.

With the powerful romantic pairing of Bailey and Page, much of the heavy lifting is done for the film. But, the supporting cast is not only deeply committed to their smaller roles, but do so with a sincerity that captures the joyful celebration of family and love of the film. Marco Calvani never fails to bring warmth and laughter to the screen as Lorenzo, the taxi driver that Anna befriends in Italy who becomes her confidant, while Aziza Scott brings an undeniable comedic energy to the film as Claire, giving the film the requisite romantic comedy best friend whose larger than life personality always delivers laughter. Isabella Ferrari is every bit as nurturing as required as Matteo’s mother while creating a strong female character, and even though Lorenzo de Moor plays a character that is hard to like, he brings Matteo to life with a charm that makes it easy to warm up to the character despite his shortcomings. But, it is Stella Pecollo who consistently steals the show as Matteo’s sister Francesca with her fiery personality and wicked comedic timing that is a force to be reckoned with that delivers the biggest laughs of the entire film.

While it does not reinvent the romantic comedy or deliver an entry to the genre that audiences won’t ever forget, the comfort and enchanting Tuscan set romance that unfolds in You, Me & Tuscany is more than enough to sweep audiences away on a romantic journey. Playing to the strengths of the romantic comedy genre with a story that sticks to the basics as Ryan and Kristin Engle evoke an old school romantic comedy in their story, Kat Coiro finds magic in her cast that brings to life an infectious charm and tender romance that elevates You, Me & Tuscany above its simplistic roots. Led by the spectacular romantic chemistry between Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page who effortlessly light up the screen with their tender and playful connection, You, Me & Tuscany calls back to the classic romantic comedy that is as delightful as a refreshing flute of Italian prosecco.