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La Dolce Villa: What we know About the Romcom set in Italy
Netflix has just dropped the official trailer for La Dolce Villa, giving fans a charming first look at this Italy-set romantic comedy that follows a father-daughter duo navigating life-changing decisions amid Italy’s irresistible charm. Directed by Mean Girls filmmaker Mark Waters, the film blends romance, humor, and home renovation in the heart of the Italian countryside.
With breathtaking landscapes and a heartfelt story, this rom-com is shaping up to be the perfect Valentine’s season watch. And if the trailer is any indication, expect plenty of laughs, love, and unexpected surprises along the way.
With romance, adventure, and a few fixer-upper surprises, La Dolce Villa is set to deliver an unforgettable cinematic getaway. Want to know more about the cast, filming details, and how this charming rom-com came to life? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. And yes, we’ll keep updating as more delightful details emerge!
Release date & Where to Watch
La Dolce Villa will be available for streaming worldwide on Thursday, February 13, 2025 on Netflix.
What is La Dolce Villa About?
Eric, a successful businessman, travels to Italy to stop his daughter Olivia from restoring a crumbling villa she bought for one euro. But Italy has other plans, offering him beauty, magic, and romance. “It’s Italy, so their prospects are excellent!” teases producer Robyn Snyder. “And that romance extends to other people, their own life’s purpose, and the country itself,” he added. (via Tudum)
Eric initially sees Olivia’s dream as a reckless mistake, but as he navigates the stunning landscapes of Tuscany, he finds himself drawn to Francesca, the town’s mayor, who, like him, is single later in life.
Director Mark Waters teases, “We meet both Eric and Olivia’s respective love interests, Francesca and Giovanni (Giuseppe Futia), right at the beginning, but our leads will need to overcome quite a few obstacles, both internal and situational, before they can settle into their happiness.” As Francesca wisely says in the film, “The path to true love is never smooth.”
Foley describes Eric as a man trying to rebuild his relationship with Olivia while unexpectedly discovering a second chance at happiness. “His initial determination—to save his daughter from making what he believes would be a huge mistake in purchasing property in Italy—turns out to be a sort of second chance at happiness for Eric, in so many ways!” he shared.
With romance, family bonds, and self-discovery at its heart, La Dolce Villa is a journey of love and transformation.
Who’s Starring in La Dolce Villa?
- Scott Foley (Felicity, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy) as Eric
- Maia Reficco (Do Revenge, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin) as Olivia
- Violante Placido (The American, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance) as Francesca
- Giuseppe Futia as Giovanni
- Simone Luglio as Nino
- Tommaso Basili as Bernardo
- Daniel Panzironi as Matteo
- Nunzia Schiano as Left (Bossy) Antonia
- Luisa De Santis as Middle (Sassy) Antonia
- Lucia Ricalzone as Right (Sweet) Antonia
- Giselle Gant as Zola
- Madior Fall as Cesare
- Jenny De Nucci as Donata
- Mitch Salm as Larry Longo
- Melanie Neu as Tracey Longo
- Ettore Nicoletti as Hotel Concierge
- Loris Loddi as Provincial Assessor
- Sinne Mutsaers as Deb Welch
Producer Robyn Snyder praised stars Scott Foley and Maia Reficco, saying, “They’re both excellent, grounded, fabulous actors and humans.”
Director Mark Waters recalls, “I would often have to get them to quiet down and stop laughing when we were about to roll, because they kept a light, humorous banter going throughout the shooting day.”
Is There a Trailer for La Dolce Villa?
In the official trailer for La Dolce Villa, we meet Eric Field, who introduces himself in Italian: "Buongiorno. Io sono Eric Field." His attempt is met with local women commenting, "Parla Italiano! Male! ... Tipico Americano." Eric responds, "I understood that."
Eric's daughter, Olivia, reveals her plan to purchase an Italian villa, explaining, "Small towns are selling old houses for one euro to bring new people in." Eric skeptically remarks, "At least you admit it's a scheme." Throughout the trailer, Eric has several charming encounters with Francesca, the town's mayor. In one scene, after a shared moment, Eric asks, "We on a date?" Francesca replies, "What? No. Not a date, no."
The trailer showcases the picturesque Italian countryside, hinting at a journey of unexpected romance and self-discovery for Eric. For a visual glimpse into this heartwarming story, watch the official trailer below:
When & Where did La Dolce Villa film?
Filming for La Dolce Villa began in March 2024 and reportedly wrapped by May 2024, with a reported budget of under $10 million. The production took place across Italy, primarily in Rome, eastern Lazio, and Tuscany.
The villa's interiors were built on soundstages at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, the same location where Netflix's The Decameron was filmed. Exterior scenes were shot at Torrino del Gelsi, a historic agriturismo in Lazio that also serves as a wedding venue. According to its website, the property dates back to the 12th century, with a tower named after the silkworms farmed there in the 1700s.
The cast and crew spent over four weeks shooting on location in Italy. Foley, reflecting on the experience, told Tudum, “I’d go back to Italy this afternoon to shoot another project.”
Behind the Scenes
Mark Waters, known for Mean Girls, Freaky Friday, and Netflix's Mother of the Bride, directs La Dolce Villa, a new romantic comedy. The film is written by Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy, the duo behind A Perfect Pairing and Falling Inn Love.
Produced by Robyn Snyder and Deborah Evans, La Dolce Villa also features Hackett and Galanoy as executive producers. The project is backed by Front Row Films and Dae Light Media, adding to Netflix’s growing slate of rom-coms.
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