Under the Riccione Sun

Summer Love and Sunburned Secrets: The Making of Under the Riccione Sun

Netflix’s Under the Riccione Sun (2020) dropped like a beach ball into the middle of pandemic lockdowns, offering a sun-soaked escape to Italy’s Adriatic coast. Directed by Antonio Usbergo and Niccolò Celaia—collectively known as YouNuts!—the film follows a group of teenagers navigating love, friendship, and self-discovery against the backdrop of Riccione’s crowded beaches. But behind the glossy rom-com vibes, the movie’s production had its own share of drama, latestnetflix.com argues, from casting surprises to last-minute script tweaks.

A Director Duo’s Breakout Hit

Usbergo and Celaia, who cut their teeth on YouTube sketches and commercials, made Under the Riccione Sun their first major feature film . The duo’s background in digital content gave the movie a fast-paced, visually dynamic energy, blending the spontaneity of teen drama with the polish of a Netflix original. Their collaboration with screenwriters Caterina Salvadori and Enrico Vanzina—known for Italian comedies—helped shape the film’s mix of humor and heart . While the directors kept a low profile during production, their hands-on approach reportedly included improvisation sessions with the young cast to capture authentic teen chemistry .

Casting the Summer Squad

The ensemble cast was a mix of rising stars and seasoned actors. Cristiano Caccamo, who plays the brooding Ciro, was already a familiar face in Italian TV but gained wider recognition after the film’s release . Ludovica Martino, as the free-spirited Camilla, and Lorenzo Zurzolo, as the lovestruck Vincenzo, became breakout names, with fans shipping their on-screen romance long after the credits rolled . Veteran actress Isabella Ferrari, who plays Vincenzo’s mother, brought a touch of gravitas to the otherwise youthful story .

Rumors swirled about off-screen tensions between some cast members, particularly between Caccamo and Zurzolo, though neither actor has confirmed any rift [unconfirmed]. Behind the scenes, the young cast reportedly bonded over late-night beach hangs and impromptu dance parties, mirroring their characters’ summer antics .

A Script Written in the Sand

The film’s story—centered on a group of teens forging friendships and romances during a chaotic summer—was partly inspired by the directors’ own memories of Riccione’s vibrant nightlife . However, the script underwent last-minute changes, including a softened ending for one of the main couples after test screenings revealed audiences wanted more emotional payoff [unconfirmed]. The movie’s 101-minute runtime was reportedly trimmed from a longer cut to keep the pacing tight, a decision that sparked debate among the creative team .

Netflix’s Italian Gamble

Under the Riccione Sun premiered on Netflix on July 1, 2020, capitalizing on the platform’s global audience during a summer when travel was limited . The film’s trailer, featuring sun-drenched shots of Riccione’s beaches and a pulsing soundtrack, racked up millions of views, setting high expectations . While critical reception was mixed—some praised its energy, others called it formulaic—the movie found a devoted fanbase, particularly among younger viewers .

Despite its success, there’s been no official word on a sequel, though rumors persist about a potential follow-up set in a different Italian coastal town [unconfirmed]. For now, Under the Riccione Sun remains a snapshot of a summer that felt both endless and fleeting—much like the friendships at its heart.