A popular romantic comedy, what is often referred to as a “date night movie”, a lot of bloggers commenting on how it reminds them of a Hallmark romance, Hallmark transferred to the cinema screen. And they love it.
For some potential audiences, this might sound like a warning, even an alarm. Not another of those predictable romances, glossy and cheerful. For other potential audiences, and this film was very popular on its immediate release, it is an indication that this is a film not to be taken too seriously, an enjoyable night out, especially with friends.
The focus is on Anna, grieving the death of her mother, giving up on her cooking course, minding houses (and wearing the clothes of the unexpectedly returning owners), with an ambition to travel to Tuscany. She is played by Halle Bailey, who brought to life the live-action version of The Little Mermaid. She chances to meet one of those surface-charming Italians who explains his empty mansion in Tuscany. Urged by her good friend Claire, off she goes to Italy, not a spare room in the town because of the annual celebration, and, with the help of a genial cab driver, goes to the Tuscany mansion, settles in, finds an engagement ring and puts it on (and, of course, can’t get it off), with the result that the family is absolutely delighted that their wandering son has become engaged, will come home, happy wedding, and happy ever after.
Well, of course not.
This is a film for audiences who delight in seeing the Tuscan countryside, the towns, the festivities, celebrations, kitchens and big meals, up there on the big screen. And the vineyards.
There is a cheerful atmosphere all the way through, even though Anna should reveal the truth (her cab driver agreeing with her saying her decision to go along with the deception was much more romantic!). The screenplay is predictable, especially when her first encounter is with a good-looking man who is rather offhand with her and she demands an apology. Since he is played by the star of the film, Rege-Jean Page (who charmed television viewers in 2020 as the romantic Duke in the series, Bridgerton) we immediately guess that there will be complications, falling in love, the consequences of Anna’s not telling the truth…
And so it is.
There is a strong Italian supporting cast playing the extended family, all getting more than their moment to be characters, touches of caricature, some hesitation, some enthusiasm, but with the return of the wandering son, the seeming sealing of the wedding, and Anna having to step in to be the main chef for the final night celebratory dinner, how is it going to end up.
Yes, exactly…
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