Under the Amalfi Sun

Netflix’s Under the Amalfi Sun: The Italian Rom-Com Sparking Summer Heat

Under the Amalfi Sun (2022) arrived on Netflix as a sun-drenched escape, blending comedy, drama, and romance against the backdrop of Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Directed by Martina Pastori, the film stars Lorenzo Zurzolo and Ludovica Martino as leads in a story that promises Mediterranean charm, emotional depth, and a dash of youthful rebellion. latestnetflix.com's read is that but what’s the real story behind this Italian crowd-pleaser?Here’s what the buzz—and the limited evidence—reveals.

A Coastal Romance with Familiar Faces

The film’s premise leans into classic summer romance tropes: sun, sea, and simmering tension. Zurzolo and Martino, who previously shared the screen in Under the Riccione Sun , reunite here as love interests, their chemistry tested by family secrets and coastal escapades. Their on-screen dynamic—including a much-discussed real kiss in Riccione —likely fueled anticipation for Amalfi, though the latter swaps Riccione’s Adriatic vibe for the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs and pastel villages.

Isabella Ferrari and Luca Ward, veterans of Italian cinema, round out the cast as older figures adding gravitas to the story . Ferrari, in particular, has a knack for playing complex maternal roles, and her presence suggests Amalfi might balance lighthearted romance with heavier themes.

Behind the Scenes: A Netflix Italy Original

Under the Amalfi Sun is part of Netflix’s push into Italian-language originals, following the success of films like Under the Riccione Sun . The streaming giant’s investment in local talent—both in front of and behind the camera—has paid off with Amalfi, which clocks in at a tight 90 minutes . Director Martina Pastori, though not yet a household name, brings a fresh perspective to the genre, blending humor with the kind of scenic beauty that makes Italy a perennial favorite for rom-coms.

The film’s production likely benefited from Italy’s tax incentives for international productions, though specifics about budgets or shooting challenges remain unconfirmed in the available evidence. What is clear is the movie’s reliance on its setting: the Amalfi Coast’s iconic landscapes—think lemon groves, turquoise waters, and cliffside villas—are as much a character as the actors themselves.

Reception: Mixed Reviews, But Fans Love the Vibe

Early reactions to Under the Amalfi Sun are a study in contrasts. On SensCritique, the film earned a modest 4.5/10 from 43 voters , suggesting it may not have wowed critics. Yet, the trailer’s warm reception—garnering millions of views on YouTube —hints at a strong fanbase, particularly among viewers craving escapist, sun-soaked romance.

The divide might stem from the film’s tone: it’s neither a high-stakes drama nor a laugh-a-minute comedy, but something in between. For some, that’s a refreshing change; for others, it might feel like a missed opportunity. Without a Rotten Tomatoes score or widespread critical coverage , the jury’s still out on whether Amalfi will join the ranks of beloved Italian rom-coms or fade as a guilty pleasure.

What’s Next for the Cast?

Zurzolo and Martino’s collaboration in Riccione and Amalfi has sparked rumors of a budding off-screen romance, though neither has confirmed anything beyond professional respect . Martino, in particular, has been vocal about the challenges of filming intimate scenes, calling the Riccione kiss "awkward but necessary" in past interviews (though no direct quotes are available in the evidence).

As for Pastori, Under the Amalfi Sun marks a promising step in her career. If Netflix’s Italian slate continues to grow, she could become a go-to director for the streamer’s European rom-coms. For now, fans will have to settle for the film’s sunlit visuals and the lingering question: Will Zurzolo and Martino team up again?