Calabrisella Mia

There are so many ways we can choose to relax, but as the days start getting shorter and autumn begins to make its quiet entrance, I find myself leaning more and more into cozy movie nights at home. After living in Italy for some time, I love that I can finally enjoy Italian movies in their original language without feeling like I’m in a full-on mental workout. It’s kind of nice and rewarding to see how they have gone from being a study tool to one of my favourite ways to unwind.

A while back, I shared a few Italian films that I thought were worth watching, and I thought I’d add some more to the list. These are newer titles I’ve really enjoyed, and I think you might want to give them a try on one of your own cozy movie nights.

Torna Dietro e Cambia Vita (2015): A Story About Second Chances

Marco, played by Raoul Bova, seems to have a perfect life. That is until one day his wife Giulia tells him she has another man. Devastated and heartbroken, Marco turns to his friend Claudio and tells him how he wishes he could go back in time and change his life path. Well, his wish comes true and both he and Claudio suddenly find themselves transported to 1990, grown up but still seen as teenagers by everyone else. Marco has a second chance to steer his destiny in a new direction. Watching him navigate love, choices, and missed opportunities is funny, touching, and deeply human. It makes you wonder about your own life, your own turns, and the moments that shape who you are.

Follemente (2025): Romance, Humor, and the Mind’s Chaos

Directed by Paolo Genovese, who also happens to be the mastermind behind Perfetti Sconosciuti (one of my all-time favourite Italian movies), Follemente is an Italian romantic comedy that takes us along on a first date with Lara, who is fresh out of a complicated relationship, and Piero, a divorced father navigating his own mix of hopes and insecurities. What seems like a simple evening quickly turns into a clever exploration of the personalities that live inside their minds. Rationality, romance, passion, cynicism—all of them interact, argue, laugh, and celebrate in ways that feel wildly alive. Watching Lara and Piero navigate this inner chaos is like peeking behind the curtain of our own hearts and minds. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s romantic, and it’s really quite clever.

4 Meta (2022): Soulmates and Alternate Realities

Luca and Sara pose the often-debated subject of whether soulmates really exist and whether they would be alike or opposites. To test this idea, they invite four single friends to dinner: Chiara, Matteo, Giulia, and Dario. The film explores four possible romantic pairings in two alternate realities, all which ask the playful question: who will fall for whom? With its intertwined narratives, clever storytelling, and charming characters, 4 Meta keeps you guessing and keeps you rooting for every couple. It can be a little mind-bending following the different scenarios, but it’s really interesting and is thought-provoking. If you are a fan of the movie Sliding Doors, then I have a feeling you would enjoy this movie.

Let These Italian Movies Inspire Your Next Movie Night

Well, there you have it… a few films that I have enjoyed recently. So, if you are practicing your Italian or simply in the mood for a good story, I hope you find something here that makes your next movie night a little more special. All that’s left to do now is pop some popcorn (or, in my case, pour yourself a glass of wine), curl up on the couch, and let yourself get lost in the beauty of Italian cinema.

Buona Visione!

If you want to find out what I’m up to here in Calabria, you can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!