‘La Dolce Villa’ Netflix Movie Review - A Plot with Missed Potential

Hallmark’s La Dolce Villa attempts to blend the charm of an Italian escape with a heartfelt father-daughter reconciliation, but despite its picturesque setting and promising premise, the film suffers from sluggish pacing and predictable storytelling. Directed by Mark Waters, the film follows Eric (Scott Foley), a former chef turned business consultant, who rushes to the fictional Italian town of Montezara to stop his 24-year-old daughter, Olivia (Maia Reficco), from purchasing a dilapidated villa just one euro. What begins as a mission to talk sense into his impulsive daughter soon turns into an unexpected romance when Eric finds himself drawn to the town’s charismatic mayor, Francesca (Violante Placido).

At its core, La Dolce Villa strives to be a heartwarming tale about family, self-discovery, and the beauty of second chances. However, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired. The pacing is notably slow, with scenes that meander aimlessly, stretching out moments that could have been handled more concisely. While the idea of an American discovering the quaint joys of a small European town is a familiar trope in romantic dramas, the film does little to add a fresh spin. Instead, it leans heavily on cliches—the bustling local market, the friendly but quirky townsfolk, and the inevitable moment when Eric realizes that maybe Montezara, and not his high-powered career, is where he truly belongs.

Scott Foley brings a likable charm to the role of Eric, but the script doesn’t give him much depth beyond the “overprotective but well-meaning dad” archetype. Maia Reficco's Olivia is meant to be headstrong and independent, but her character often comes across as naive rather than ambitious. Their father-daughter dynamic, which should have been the emotional anchor of the film, feels underdeveloped, making their eventual reconciliation feel more obligatory than heartfelt.

The romantic subplot between Eric and Francesca has its moments, but it lacks real chemistry or tension. Francesca, though portrayed elegantly by Violante Placido, remains a rather one-dimensional character, mostly existing to serve as Eric’s love interest and an emblem of Montezara’s charm. The film tries to build their romance through leisurely strolls and lingering glances, but it never quite sizzles.

Visually, La Dolce Villa benefits from stunning cinematography, showcasing rolling Italian hills, sun-drenched piazzas, and charming villas. The film’s setting is undeniably its strongest element, with sweeping shots of Montezara that evoke a postcard-perfect fantasy. However, no amount of scenic beauty can make up for a narrative that drags its feet.

For those seeking an easygoing, aesthetically pleasing escape, La Dolce Villa may provide some mild enjoyment. However, for viewers looking for a compelling story or well-developed characters, the film falls flat. With a more dynamic script and better pacing, this could have been a delightful watch. Instead, it feels like an overlong travel brochure with a predictable plot and lackluster emotional payoffs.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times