This Valentine’s Day, Netflix invites viewers to escape to Italy with La Dolce Villa, a charming new romantic comedy starring Scott Foley. While fans will have to settle for the screen instead of real-life travel, the film promises plenty of romance, laughter, and picturesque views of the Italian countryside.
La Dolce Villa follows Eric Field (Foley), a successful businessman who finds himself in a bit of a predicament. His daughter, Olivia (Maia Reficco), has bought a crumbling villa in Italy for the bargain price of one euro. As part of a unique initiative designed to bring new residents to the area, Olivia plans to restore the property, but Eric has other ideas. Determined to stop her from diving into a costly restoration project, Eric heads to Italy to intervene.
However, when he arrives, he quickly realizes there’s more to the situation than meets the eye. The villa is part of a larger “scheme,” according to the local mayor, Francesca Pucci (played by acclaimed Italian actress and singer Violante Placido). But as the story unfolds, the backdrop of Italy’s beauty proves irresistible.
“It’s a scheme, at least you admit it,” Eric jokes in the film, setting the tone for the witty and light-hearted dynamic that propels the narrative forward.
But it’s not just Olivia’s ambitious plans that get Eric’s attention. The alluring Italian countryside and its vibrant culture soon begin to sweep him off his feet. In a twist that brings the story full circle, Eric is revealed to have once been a professional chef—a fact that ties in perfectly with Italy’s culinary fame. As he reconnects with his passion for food, Eric begins to question whether he wants to pursue his long-buried dream in the place he never expected: the very villa he was trying to stop his daughter from restoring.
The sparks of romance start to fly not only between Eric and Francesca, but also in the story’s exploration of Eric’s journey to rediscover his purpose. Set against the stunning backdrop of Italy, La Dolce Villa combines all the elements of a classic rom-com: a beautiful setting, a heartwarming plot, and a cast of charismatic characters, with plenty of food, fun, and romance along the way.
ADVERTISEMENT
Joining Foley in the film is Maia Reficco, who plays his free-spirited daughter Olivia. Jenny De Nucci also stars in a supporting role. The screenplay is written by Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy, who are also executive producers. Robyn Snyder and Deborah Evans, known for their work on Choose Love and A Perfect Pairing, serve as producers for the film.
The film is set to hit Netflix on February 13, just in time for the romantic holiday. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good escape or a heartwarming story to celebrate Valentine’s Day, La Dolce Villa offers a perfect blend of humor, romance, and Italian charm. With a setting that combines stunning landscapes, delicious food, and the timeless allure of love, it promises to be a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies.
Fans of both Scott Foley and romantic comedies will undoubtedly find La Dolce Villa a delightful addition to their Valentine’s Day viewing. The film captures the magic of Italy, alongside the heartwarming story of a father and daughter learning to embrace both new beginnings and second chances.
La Dolce Villa arrives on Netflix February 13, bringing a little bit of Italy—and a lot of heart—to your Valentine’s Day celebration.
