Growing up, my parents tried to shield me from media that portrayed violence, opposed the Roman Catholic Church, and anything else deemed inappropriate. So I consumed countless romantic comedies, Disney movies, and almost everything from the Hallmark channel. Needless to say, I know my stuff. You’ve Got Mail (1998), Just Wright (2010), 13 Going on 30 (2004), Yes Man (2008), and 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) were my greatest rom-com hits as a kid.
But as I got older, my film tastes expanded. Suddenly I was watching sci-fi films, westerns, dramadies, and dabbling in horror. (Who didn’t watch Sinners? It was arguably the best movie of 2025.)
Then, at the ripe age of 20, I watched When Harry Met Sally (1989) for the first time. It felt like fireworks setting off. For so long, the romcoms I watched lacked flavor, chemistry, or even whimsy. When Harry Met Sally is the pinnacle of romcoms, with a beautiful love story that challenged the characters to grow. Finally, I had a romantic comedy that emphasized personal growth and accountability!
It’s no mystery how the rom-com genre is perceived. They’re often heralded as “fluff work” for actors and directors alike, and most people don’t take them seriously. I still remember the scathing rom-com period that Mathew McConaughey “endured” before people praised his work in Mud (2012).
But I’ve always found the genre endearing. Oftentimes, I find bits of myself in the characters, looking for the myth of the “right person.” Some rom-coms deal with heartbreak, balancing work and personal life, or experiencing pains that the average person can relate to.
So when I first saw the trailer for You, Me & Tuscany (2026), I ran to purchase tickets.
‘You, Me & Tuscany’ is PLeasantly Surprising
You, Me & Tuscany is a 2026 romantic comedy that centers around protagonist Brianna “Anna” Montgomery (Halle Bailey), an aspiring chef who pivoted to housesitting after experiencing a tragedy. After a gig gone wrong, she runs into handsome Italian man Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), and they hit it off. Anna, determined to go to Italy and live out her dreams and left with no other choice, breaks into Matteo’s beautiful Italian villa, where she’s discovered by Matteo’s family and mistaken for his fiancee.
Then we meet the main romantic lead, Micheal (RegĂ©-Jean Page), Matteo’s cousin who Anna fought with over a sandwich the day prior. As Anna’s stay in Italy progresses, more misunderstandings and wacky hijinks follow.
Overall, You, Me & Tuscany was adorable. It had an older rom-com feel with the film’s title card, nostalgic soundtrack, and gorgeous shots of the Italian countryside. Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey had an easy-going chemistry that felt as warm and cozy as the rest of the film. None of the drama felt over-the-top (at least by romcom standards), and the authentic bond of the cast easily mirrored one of a family. But most importantly, this film was unapologetically Black.
Let me explain myself. Yes, most of the cast were white Italians, but they weren’t the main focus of the story. During a time where DEI is seen as a “bad word,” it’s increasingly rare to see two Black leads in a movie that isn’t centered around tragedy or violence. You, Me, & Tuscany opted for authentic representation with the inclusion of Mario’s hit song “Let Me Love You” and Anna’s desire to protect her braids.
The film was a breath of fresh air, from the chic and modern wardrobe pieces, a goofy cab-driver-turned-confidant, and delicious-looking food. It tells a story of community, joy, and free-expression. Despite the gullible characters, wildly convenient circumstances, and a lack of danger that women, especially Black women, face when traveling alone, it’s still a good film.
Was the script at the same level of When Harry Met Sally? No, but it doesn’t have to be. Not every movie has to be a masterpiece, least of all rom-coms, but this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. If you’re hoping to still catch You, Me & Tuscany, take your friends, sneak in your snacks, and purchase a ticket while you can!