La Dolce Villa Parent Guide

Eric (Scott Foley), a chef turned consultant, is a devoted dad to his young adult daughter, Olivia (Maia Reficco). So when she announces that she’s buying an abandoned villa and plans to settle in the Italian town of Montezara, Eric makes a quick trip to talk her out of what he sees as a risky project. Once there, Eric reluctantly agrees to help her renovate the property, assuming she’ll decide to sell it once the project is done. As Olivia becomes increasingly invested in her new home, Eric can’t help but wonder if maybe Italy could have a future for both of them, especially as he begins to grow close to the town mayor Francesca (Violante Placido).

Over the last few years Netflix has found a niche with simple romance stories set in beautiful locales. I understand that there’s an audience for these flicks; those who want a clean, simple love story, some gorgeous scenery, and a plot that requires absolutely no thought. La Dolce Villa is the fulfilment of that wish. It’s incredibly straightforward and predictable, to the point where you could leave the room for twenty minutes and still know exactly what’s going on when you return. There are low levels of negative content, which is rare in the realm of romance, and the Italian countryside does not disappoint. If that description sounds appealing to you, then you are the intended audience, and I am sure you’ll be satisfied.

Personally, I was incredibly bored for the entirety of the thankfully short runtime. This film simply could not keep my attention, and I guarantee I will have forgotten I ever saw it by tomorrow. I also disliked Scott Foley’s performance, which came across as unconvincing and amateurish.

That said, I can’t fault the production quality, and I’m sure this tale will be enjoyable for a niche audience. However, anyone outside of that select group will probably find it as exciting as watching paint dry. This film is the equivalent of those home improvement shows you only see in dentist waiting rooms - good as background noise, but not meant to be the center of attention.