Solo Mio

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https://rialtodistribution.com/film/solo-mio/

Date Reviewed: 18/02/2026

What a beautiful movie. When you read the synopsis, you may be tricked into thinking it’s a predictable, boring chick flick with a cliché set-up. But this was a refreshing take on a storyline we’ve seen before and is everything you want for a wholesome movie night.

I’ll disclaim: I may be biased. My Italian background may have set me up to love this film already. The setting across Italy’s tourist hot spots felt like a European holiday with a Bellini in hand. Watch it for the postcard-worthy scenes alone and you’ll feel like you’ve been on a mini getaway. Which is exactly what a movie should do — transport you somewhere else.

The nonchalant yet passionate nature of the Italians oozed from every corner. The directness, the classic food, the beautifully dressed locals, the rolling language — it all felt familiar. Even the nuances of translation, direct or indirect, weren’t lost on me. And then there was the music. While not a musical, some incredible (and well-known) pieces feature, including an old Italian favourite of my aunty’s that drew me even closer to the film. Watching Solo Mio, I felt like I was in the company of family. In one word, and from experience, this movie felt authentic.

The only actor I was truly familiar with was Kevin James. I was pleasantly surprised to see a different side of him here. Any concern that it would lean into his usual style of humour — which I don’t personally love — quickly disappeared. Instead, we saw a more mature, clever, and natural humour, often built around language barriers, that felt relatable and avoided cheap laughs.

Within minutes, we’re brought up to speed with Matt’s predicament (the main character, played by Kevin James), and it pulls on the heartstrings as we follow a man heartbroken and single among couples on holiday. The bittersweet humour lands well.

It doesn’t take long to sense who Matt may fall for next. The familiarity of the storyline makes it easy to settle in for a comfortable movie night. However, this 2026 take brings a plot twist I didn’t see coming — proof that a little creativity can give any classic storyline a fresh makeover.

As I said at the beginning, this is a wonderfully written story in a stunning setting. I’ll be filing it under comfort movies — one to revisit when I need something easy and uplifting. I’ll be taking my mum, aunty and girlfriends to watch this one again.

Reviewed by Juliet Morelli