Faith in romantic comedies has been restored after screening You, Me & Tuscany. Black romantic comedies are in dire need, and this film has set a new tone and expectation for the category.
Directed by Kat Coiro and produced by Will Packer, the film follows Anna (Halle Bailey), a culinary school dropout who makes a host of bad decisions. After a chance meeting with Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), she feels compelled to visit Tuscany, Italy, where his villa lies unattended. Ignoring advice from her best friend Claire (Aziza Scott) is what landed her in a predicament where she is now: unfamiliar and woefully unequipped in another country. Earning friendship with her Italian chauffeur (Marco Calvani) eases her worries to a degree, but what takes place in the villa takes Anna on a whirlwind week in the Italian countryside.
Anna crosses paths with a delivery driver and sommelier named Michael (Regé-Jean Page) at a bakery in town. After finding Matteo’s villa, she gets a little too comfortable in his home and around his things. After trying on a ring she finds in a drawer, Anna is spotted by Matteo’s mother, Gabriella (Isabella Ferrari). Anna casually fabricates an engagement, which sets off a string of events that bring Matteo’s family together, but not everyone is on board. Long-held secrets begin to surface, feelings emerge, and life-changing decisions are made.
Bailey brings a warmth and emotional openness to her role, making every moment feel sincere, while Page balances her beautifully with his signature charisma and quiet vulnerability. Their connection is electric without being forced, tender without being overly sentimental, and above all else, it’s respectful.
Beyond the romance, the film quietly underscores the importance of seeing Black love stories centered in genres that have historically overlooked them. We need more Black romantic comedies, period. Black leads deserve the same sweeping landscapes and whimsical storytelling that others have been afforded. You, Me & Tuscany proves how successful and resonant these stories can be when given the opportunity and space to shine.
The cast was perfection, blending American and Italian culture and cuisine. The Italian cast was phenomenal, and seeing the legendary Isabella Ferrari as the matriarch and the hilarious Stella Pecollo as the cousin was a treat. The themes of romance and friendship were wholesome. For too long, Hollywood has doused modern-day rom-coms with overly vulgar language and an excessive amount of sex. You, Me, & Tuscany isn’t just a great time at the movies, it’s a healthy, well-needed break from reality.
You, Me & Tuscany gets a 9.5 out of 10. It’s more than a picturesque story; it’s a step forward for representation. The film is definitely a girls’ night out movie, but honestly, there’s enough depth that everyone can appreciate it. The chemistry between Bailey and Page was magical. Although anyone would enjoy this film, the infusion of Black culture at various points was purposeful. It’s the perfect romance flick to kick off the spring. Will Packer can take a bow.
You, Me & Tuscany premieres in theaters on April 10.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1 hr 44 minutes
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: April 10, 2026