It’s getting to that time of year when romantic comedies start to look a little more attractive, especially those sun-soaked flicks that make you crave a vacation. “You, Me and Tuscany” very much thrives on cheesy but charming escapism, so much so that it feels like a Netflix original and you’d never guess it was a theatrical release if you didn’t already know. Now that it’s available to stream at home, it could find even more success.
“You, Me and Tuscany” leans heavily into the “destination cinema” genre. It’s designed to be a visual escape, and it’s essentially a love letter to the Italian countryside. If you’re a fan of films like “Under the Tuscan Sun” or “A Good Year,” the DNA will feel very familiar. Of course, seriousness doesn’t even register here, because it’s all about a predictable plot and feel-good vibes, made to be watched with a glass of wine on a quiet evening.
If you’re looking for a guaranteed mood-booster this week, or just a charming rom-com to get you in the summer mood, here’s why you should stream “You, Me and Tuscany” (and why it’s my new guilty pleasure).
What is ‘You, Me and Tuscany’ about?
“You, Me and Tuscany” follows Anna (Halle Bailey), an aspiring chef who feels stuck in life after putting her dreams on hold. After losing both her job and place to stay, she has a chance encounter with Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), a charming Italian man visiting New York. Inspired by his encouragement to take risks, Anna impulsively flies to Tuscany and secretly stays in his empty family villa when she discovers local hotels are fully booked.
Things quickly go wrong when Matteo’s family unexpectedly arrives and mistakes Anna for his fiancée. Rather than confess the truth, she goes along with the misunderstanding and finds herself pulled into the lively Costa family’s world, from vineyard visits to helping out at their beloved restaurant. But complications arise when Anna develops feelings for Matteo’s cousin, Michael (Regé-Jean Page).
‘You, Me and Tuscany’ is a cozy summer romance
I have to warn you first that “You, Me and Tuscany” is so cheesy it practically drips off the screen, but that’s exactly where its charm lies. Even in the first 15 minutes, from Anna walking down the street in fancy clothes to sitting in a restaurant where she meets a handsome man complimenting her taste in burgers, this film wears the genre’s most defining tropes on its sleeve. Director Kat Coiro doesn’t try to hide it, and that’s why “You, Me and Tuscany” is pure comfort-watch material.
The same goes for Anna traveling to a completely new place and meeting another handsome man she initially clashes with, until the spark between them turns their connection into something more along the lines of classic yearning. And while Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page are charming on-screen together, with plenty of purposeful topless moments, hands touching and longing glances, it’s the film’s visuals that really give it juice. Golden Tuscan light, rolling vineyards, and glossy holiday brochure vibes do most of the work.
That basically means expect sweeping shots of rolling cypress-lined hills, ancient stone villas, and lush vineyards. “You, Me and Tuscany” feels less like a Netflix original when it leans into its visuals, and you can’t help but get swept up in this fairytale-like setting, experiencing many of the same feelings as Anna. Plus, it’s not just the film’s appearance that makes it striking, but also its strong emphasis on food. Everything from rustic Italian cooking and wine pouring to communal outdoor dining makes the setting feel like a third main character.
Any rom-com you’ve seen is probably somehow featured in “You, Me and Tuscany” because it’s a mash-up of so many familiar tropes. But when you’re looking for a feel-good watch that’s nothing serious or dark, this film is perfect, letting you switch your brain off for an hour and a half. It avoids heavy trauma in favor of emotional warmth and some seriously beautiful scenery. With summer fast approaching, there’s no better time to grab a glass of wine and stream “You, Me and Tuscany” (and you might even find yourself wanting to book a vacation afterward).
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