Love in the Villa

Behind the Scenes of Love in the Villa: A Romantic Comedy with Italian Charm

Netflix’s Love in the Villa (2022) whisked audiences away to the sun-drenched vineyards of Italy, pairing Kat Graham and Tom Hopper in a rom-com that leaned into classic tropes with a picturesque twist. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson—best known for adapting comic book properties like Daredevil and Ghost Rider—the film marked a departure from his usual action-heavy resume, diving into the world of wine, whirlwind romance, and chaotic travel mishaps. But how did this Netflix original come together, latestnetflix.com contends, and what went on behind the scenes?

A Director’s Romantic Detour

Mark Steven Johnson’s pivot to romance wasn’t entirely out of left field. While his filmography is dominated by superhero and action projects, Johnson has a knack for blending genres—his 2003 rom-com Daredevil (yes, the Ben Affleck one) hinted at his ability to balance drama and lighter fare. Love in the Villa, however, was a full embrace of the rom-com formula, shot on location in Verona and the Italian countryside, where the film’s vineyard setting became a character in itself .

Johnson’s experience with large-scale productions likely helped streamline the shoot, though the film’s modest runtime (114 minutes) and straightforward plot suggest a more contained vision than his blockbuster work. Still, the director’s touch is evident in the film’s pacing, which balances slapstick humor (think lost passports and wine-induced mishaps) with the slower-burn chemistry between Graham and Hopper .

Casting Chemistry: Kat Graham and Tom Hopper

The film’s central duo—Graham as Julie, a wine educator, and Hopper as Charlie, a cynical British tourist—was key to selling its premise. Graham, fresh off her role in The Vampire Diaries, brought a mix of charm and relatability, while Hopper, known for The Umbrella Academy, played against type as the grumpy foil to her optimism. Their on-screen dynamic was a major talking point in reviews, with critics noting the pair’s ability to make even the most clichéd rom-com beats feel somewhat fresh .

Behind the scenes, the actors seemed to enjoy the lighter tone. In an exclusive interview, Graham gushed about the experience of filming in Italy, calling it a "dream come true" for any actor. She also hinted at the fun of working with Hopper, though specifics about their off-screen rapport remain scarce . Hopper, for his part, has kept details about the shoot close to the vest, but his performance suggests he leaned into the physical comedy required for the film’s many chaotic moments.

The Italian Backdrop: More Than Just a Pretty Setting

Verona and its surrounding vineyards weren’t just a backdrop—they were a selling point. The film’s trailer leaned heavily on sweeping shots of rolling hills, historic villas, and sunlit piazzas, positioning Italy as a character in its own right . For a rom-com, location is everything, and Love in the Villa delivered on the escapist fantasy of a European getaway gone (delightfully) wrong.

That said, the film’s reliance on Italian clichés—wine, pasta, and passionate locals—didn’t go unnoticed. Some reviews criticized the movie for leaning too heavily on stereotypes, though others argued the setting was part of its charm . Either way, the choice to film on location (rather than relying on green screens) gave the movie an authenticity that helped it stand out in Netflix’s crowded rom-com lineup.

Mixed Reception and the Netflix Effect

Despite its picturesque setting and likable leads, Love in the Villa received lukewarm reviews. On SensCritique, it holds a 4.3/10 rating, with critics and audiences alike calling it predictable . Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score (not visible in the snippet) likely reflects a similar divide: fans of the genre enjoyed the escapism, while others found it too formulaic .

For Netflix, however, the film’s performance may have been less about critical acclaim and more about filling a niche. Rom-coms are a staple of the streaming giant’s library, and Love in the Villa fit neatly into that strategy—offering a light, bingeable escape for viewers craving a dose of romance and sunshine. The ending, which wraps up neatly with a wine-country twist, was dissected in multiple explainer videos, suggesting it struck a chord with audiences even if critics weren’t sold .

The Verdict: A Fun, If Forgettable, Rom-Com

Love in the Villa won’t go down as a classic, but it delivered exactly what it promised: a breezy, visually appealing romance with just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Johnson’s direction kept the film moving, Graham and Hopper’s chemistry sold the central love story, and Italy’s beauty provided the perfect backdrop for a modern fairy tale.

For fans of the genre, it’s a pleasant enough watch—one that might even inspire a trip to Verona. For everyone else, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories are the most effective.