With You, Me & Tuscany, director Kat Coiro (Marry Me) offers a love story wrapped around the heart of one of Italy’s famous cities. The movie tells the story of Anna (Halle Bailey, The Little Mermaid), a culinary school dropout who struggles past her mother’s untimely passing by housesitting. When her path crosses that of an Italian real estate agent named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor, The Legend Hunters), Anna finds herself with the opportunity of a lifetime: to stay at an elegant villa in Italy and fulfill her dream of becoming a culinary chef. But crashing the party at Matteo’s family villa, she soon gets roped into the family as his “soon to be wife,” and things start to spiral from there.
Sadly, a good deal of You, Me, & Tuscany spirals in a very predictable way, and for much of the movie it becomes very obvious what the plot, messages, and tone will be. Bailey’s dynamic with Regé-Jean Page (Black Bag), who plays Matteo’s adopted brother, Michael, is the charm of the film, as well as most of its heart and soul. That being said, I absolutely adored the colorful supporting cast of Italian family members that give this film its spunk. All in all, Bailey is given an opportunity to lead a romantic comedy in which she does not disappoint.
One of the most captivating elements of You, Me, & Tuscany is the way it encompasses its Italian setting, with some fun and dedicated mise-en-scène true to a Tuscan village. Praise goes to capturing location cinematography, from vineyards to courtyards, and detailing beautifully traditional Italian scenes with immense charisma. This element tends to save the movie at times where something super cookie-cutter is being seen on screen, as the rich cultural backdrop brightens the narrative when the writing aims to simply to make us giggle and sigh.
While the scenery and atmosphere are romantic, You, Me, & Tuscany sadly delivers the minimum in storytelling to push a generic plot forward. It still remains a delight, with affectionate moments and joyous times, and Coiro delivers a safe production that will most likely please fans of Bailey and Page (and bring in new ones) to see a by-the-book romance. With Italy as the context for most of the film, You, Me, & Tuscany will please with its mushiness, witty humor, and genuine heart, even if it leaves a bit to be desired.
Adam Vaughn
Adam Vaughn is a graduate of the Film & Moving Image program at Stevenson University, with a focus in Cinematography and Production. He also has a minor in Theater and Media Performance. Adam works as a freelance photographer and videographer, focusing his craft on creating compelling photographic and cinematic imagery. Adam is excited to join the Film Festival Today team and explore the world of cinema and visual arts.