La dolce villa (2025) - Netflix Movie Review
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La dolce villa review |
Introduction
Hello everyone! D here from The Next Issue Podcast.
Today, I’ll be reviewing La dolce villa, a new Netflix film released in
2025. Rated TV-14 (which translates roughly to a PG-13 rating),
this movie runs for 1 hour and 39 minutes. At the time of this review,
there’s no Rotten Tomatoes score available, but it currently holds a 2.5-star
rating on Letterboxd.
La Dolce Villa Trailer
Initial Thoughts
This isn’t the type of movie I would normally watch,
but it was trending on Netflix’s most-watched list—at number two or
three at the time, and probably at number one now. Sometimes, you just need a
light, easygoing film that doesn’t demand too much of your attention. That’s
exactly why I chose La dolce villa—I was having a rough morning and
wanted something uplifting. Surprisingly, it did the trick!
Plot Summary
The story follows Eric, a successful businessman
who travels to Italy to stop his daydreaming daughter, Olivia, from
restoring a crumbling villa. However, Italy has different plans for him—delivering
on its legendary promise of beauty, magic, and romance.
Cast & Characters
- Scott Foley as Eric –
The father, best known from The Unit.
- Violante Placido as Francesca
– The mayor of the village.
- Maya Reficco as Olivia –
The daughter, full of charisma and energy.
The Netflix poster for this movie is a bit misleading.
It primarily features Scott Foley and Maya Reficco, making it look like
a romantic comedy—despite them being father and daughter. The poster
could have included more characters to clarify the film’s family-centric theme.
Review & Analysis
1. A Feel-Good Experience
This film was a pleasant surprise! It doesn’t overstay
its welcome and features quirky Italian village life that makes you want to
book a trip. The first 20-30 minutes feel like a travel commercial—highlighting
the beauty and lifestyle of Italy compared to the U.S.
2. Themes of Change and Renewal
Beyond the lighthearted comedy and romance, La dolce
villa explores deeper themes of rebuilding and renewal—both
physically (the villa) and emotionally (Eric and Olivia’s father-daughter
relationship). Olivia, having lost her mother, is trying to redefine her
purpose, while Eric and Francesca also find common ground in their shared
experiences of loss.
3. Supporting Characters & Humor
- The Antonas
– A trio of old village ladies who interact hilariously with Eric.
- Olivia’s love
interest – Because, of course, every romantic film needs one.
- The “villain”
– A minor antagonist, but not much of a serious threat.
These characters add to the film’s whimsical charm
and make it a breezy, entertaining watch.
Final Verdict
La dolce villa is not groundbreaking cinema, but it’s enjoyable
and uplifting. If you’re in the mood for a light, visually appealing,
and heartwarming film, it’s worth watching. I’d rate it slightly higher
than the 2.5 on Letterboxd—not much higher, but enough to recommend for a relaxing
90-minute escape.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- There’s a lot of
Italian dialogue with subtitles. If you dislike subtitles, this
might be a slight hurdle.
- The movie won’t
change your life, but it’s a pleasant, feel-good watch.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes! If you’re looking for something charming and
easygoing, La dolce villa delivers.
Conclusion
That’s my review of La dolce villa Have you
watched it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading, and
don’t forget to share this review
Summery
La dolce villa (2025) is a feel-good Netflix film about a
businessman, Eric, who travels to Italy to stop his daughter, Olivia, from
restoring an old villa—only to experience Italy’s magic, beauty, and romance.
Starring Scott Foley, Violante Placido, and Maya Reficco, the film
features heartwarming themes of renewal, quirky characters, and stunning
Italian scenery. While not groundbreaking, it’s a light, enjoyable watch
with charming humor and emotional depth. Though the misleading poster
suggests a rom-com, the story focuses on family bonds and fresh starts.
If you enjoy easygoing, uplifting films, this 90-minute escape is
worth a watch
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