If you enjoyed “While You Were Sleeping,” this is a must-see.
Written by Kristy Puchko on April 9, 2026.
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This winter, Heated Rivalry captured audiences at home. But as cherry blossom season arrives, explore a romance set under the Tuscan sun. For sunshine, yearning, and romance, watch You, Me & Tuscany, the latest from director Kat Coiro.
In 2022, Coiro’s love for classic romantic comedy shone in Marry Me, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-esque tale. Now, Coiro returns to enchant us with another ’90s rom-com inspired story. This time with Halle Bailey from The Little Mermaid and Regé-Jean Page from Bridgerton, surrounded by charming characters.
What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is essentially While You Were Sleeping set in Italy.
Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife Kristin Engle crafted the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with Ryan as the sole screenwriter. While the movie doesn’t cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com as inspiration, the parallels are unmistakable.
Both films feature a lonely young woman dreaming of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock) dreams of a stranger who brightens her day. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy to start a restaurant with her mother. Her mother’s death derailed her culinary school dreams, leaving her housesitting in Manhattan. That is, until she meets Matteo, a “spicy white boy,” as her bestie Claire calls him.
Anna unexpectedly finds herself in Tuscany, and while she doesn’t plan to squat in Matteo’s abandoned villa, life (and rom-coms) move fast. Just like Lucy didn’t expect to meet her crush on subway tracks, Anna finds herself caught in unexpected adventures.
Anna discovers a diamond ring in the house and is mistaken for Matteo’s fiancée. The family believes she’s engaged, leading to hilarious misunderstandings.
In While You Were Sleeping, Lucy falls for her crush’s blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating a love triangle. Similarly, Anna falls for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page), creating another interesting complication. The shift from white-collar to rugged lovers mirrors both films.
Filled with beautiful Italian settings, mouth-watering dishes, and touches of Black culture, this film is a rom-com dream. Establishing shots of Tuscany set the scene with captivating performances backed by romantic R&B tracks.
Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble.
Bailey embodies a bubbly and chaotic rom-com heroine, destined for adventure. The film opens with her strutting as a fashion icon, tumbling into comedy thanks to Nia Vardalos.
Page rekindles his enemies-to-lovers dynamic from Bridgerton as Michael, a handsome winemaker initially skeptical of Anna. Gradually, they discover shared heartache, ambition, good wine, and romantic R&B.
In New York, best friend Claire (Aziza Scott) adds lively humor, while in Italy, taxi driver Lorenzo (Marco Calvani) becomes a confidant armed with wise words and gourmet sandwiches. De Moor brings charm to Matteo, while Mateo and Michael’s family adds joy, reminiscent of While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Here, Coiro captures heartfelt swoon moments, adding performative flair to roles and infusing vibrant life into this Italian feast of love.
From engaging characters to romantic settings, Coiro’s direction blends whimsy and comedy. Bailey and Page deliver exceptional chemistry, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale.
You, Me & Tuscany captivates rom-com fans with its sincere appreciation for the genre. Enchanting both on-screen and off, experience this delightful film in theaters. Treat yourself to an Italian sandwich beforehand for the perfect cinematic pairing.
You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters on April 10.