Netflix Rom-Com Broke This Major Trope

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Instead of having a romantic comedy from Netflix being one of my top picks for the year as per my 2025 bingo card, it turns out that’s not the case, but surprisingly enough, here we are.

2025 is shaping up to be an action-packed year for movie enthusiasts, as both the big screen schedules and Netflix’s lineup are bursting with exciting releases. Some films, like “The Electric State,” I’d rather forget about, but others have truly captured my interest and are worth sharing. One such gem is Netflix’s recent romantic comedy offering – “La Dolce Villa.

Although I just recently got around to watching it in February, I must say it surpassed my expectations in a way I hadn’t foreseen – and it executed something I truly hope modern romantic comedies would adopt more often. So, let’s delve into it.

I’m A Rom-Com Lover, So I’ve Seen A Good Amount

If I weren’t such a fan of romantic comedies, I wouldn’t be penning this piece. At this stage, it seems like a part of my DNA to adore them.

If you’re familiar with me, you’d recognize my affection for various forms of entertainment – from top-notch fantasy flicks to chilling A24 horror movies and captivating sci-fi films; basically, if it’s highly recommended, I’ve likely seen it and enjoyed it. However, romantic comedies present a fine line that I have a soft spot for, as long as they are skillfully executed.

Generally speaking, many romantic comedies I’ve watched tend to follow familiar patterns, which is understandable since not every fresh romance movie can revolutionize the genre. However, I am someone who deeply appreciates the finest examples of rom-coms – the ones that leave a lasting impact and produce memorable tropes and scenes that shine brightly compared to others.

Examples like “When Harry Met Sally,” “13 Going On 30,” and “Crazy Rich Asians” have become iconic romantic comedies, leaving a lasting impact on the genre due to their unique twists or fresh approaches that set them apart from the crowd.

Now, I truly believe that “La Dolce Villa” has accomplished something quite unique among many romantic comedies, a feat worthy of admiration.

I Really Love How La Dolce Villa Focused More On The Relationship Between The Father And Daughter

Although classified as a romantic comedy, “La Dolce Villa” does not primarily emphasize the romantic element. While romance is indeed present in the narrative, given that we’re dealing with a villa in Italy, it’s understandable that love wouldn’t be ignored, its focus lies more elsewhere.

However, “La Dolce Villa” primarily focuses on the heartwarming bond between the protagonist, Eric, and his daughter, Olivia. It’s Olivia who sets the narrative in motion by purchasing a home in Tuscany, a one-euro property intended to attract newcomers to the town. Given that Eric is concerned about his daughter’s decision, especially since she’s just 24 and moving overseas, he travels to Italy to locate her.

Instead of devoting the next hour and a half to Eric’s pursuit of love or Olivia’s affection towards an Italian suitor, we focus on a significant amount of healing, particularly between the father and daughter.

Let me clarify, despite any misconceptions – romance indeed plays a significant role within this movie. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that the heart of the narrative revolves around a father and his daughter seeking to reconcile following the loss of their mother. As fate would have it, they both establish connections with inhabitants from the town where the villa is located.

In romantic comedies, we rarely encounter something different, and that’s precisely what this movie offers – a refreshing change of pace, as it doesn’t solely revolve around romance like most rom-coms do. It’s enjoyable to witness a narrative that deviates from the usual love-centric plots every now and then.

I Also Love How There Really Wasn’t That Much Animosity Between The Two

As a film enthusiast, I often find myself rolling my eyes when children in romantic comedies are portrayed as brats or nuisances. However, in this particular movie, things are refreshingly different. The kids here are far from bothersome and add an unexpected charm to the storyline.

It’s clear that Olivia isn’t just a child in this situation. At twenty-four years old, she’s mature enough to make her own choices, and I can imagine anyone else her age would find it frustrating if they were called a kid as well.

In a tale about a father and daughter rekindling their bond, one might anticipate a significant amount of tension between them. However, quite unexpectedly, that’s not the case here. Instead, there are playful jabs and humorous exchanges that form an amusing rapport you can’t help but enjoy. Yet, they never resort to childish squabbles or outbursts of anger, only occasional misunderstandings due to miscommunication.

Apart from feeling lonely, they’ve both been grappling with this profound sense of emptiness since losing someone incredibly special – Eric, his wife, and Olivia, her mother. In an attempt to find solace and reconnect, they both strive to navigate their grief. The house that Olivia purchased was a tribute to her mother, and in an unexpected manner, it drew her father closer to her.

It’s satisfying to see a romantic comedy explore their characters’ connection more deeply, going beyond just the romantic elements.

The Ending Really Got Me Because It Was More About Them Coming Together As A Family

In essence, the closing scene of “La Dolce Villa” follows a common pattern, wrapping up storylines for both Eric and Olivia in romantic connections. However, what truly resonates is the focus on the family unit as a whole, which I find quite appealing.

In La Dolce Villa, rather than capturing the last scene where the main couple shares a kiss or Olivia locking lips with her ultimate partner, we witness a scene instead. Everyone, including Eric, Olivia, their respective love interests, and the entire group are seen dancing outside at the Tuscan villa after completing their cooking endeavor. The camera then sweeps across the scene to provide a broader perspective.

I mean, come on. That’s just sweet and brought a smile to my face.

As a film enthusiast, I seldom come across romantic comedies that delve deep into family dynamics and the bonds we forge beyond fleeting romantic attractions and heart-fluttering moments typically found in such movies. Yet, this modest Netflix production manages to pull it off beautifully, leaving me captivated. Truly, it’s a film that I find myself drawn to.

There are numerous delightful romantic comedies available, and there are more on the horizon that you can eagerly anticipate. However, if you haven’t yet seen “La Dolce Villa“, I highly recommend watching it with a Netflix subscription.

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2025-04-01 16:07