Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quiet, gentle romance with some language and drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Under the Stars
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Romance writer Ian (Alex Pettyfer) finds himself UNDER THE STARS in Puglia, Italy when a bad case of writer's block causes his relationship with girlfriend Kate (Jessica Serfaty) to fall apart. Under pressure from his agent to deliver a finished book soon, Ian hopes that some time away from his everyday life in London will get his creative juices flowing again. So he rents a room in a quaint farmhouse in the Italian countryside run by Giacomo (Andy Garcia) and his daughter Arianna (Eva De Domenici). Soon he's joined by his loving but sometimes overbearing Aunty Aubrey (Toni Collette), who's worried about Ian. Sparks soon fly between Ian and Arianna, and even between Giacomo and Aubrey, and Ian finds himself caught up in the family's efforts to find a source of water and save the farm. But with so much going on, is now the right time for love to bloom?
Is It Any Good?
This is a quiet, slow-paced romance with some gentle humor and a lot of gorgeous Italian countryside. Only the most romance-loving teens will enjoy the predictable story about adult characters finding love where they least expected, filled as it is with cliches and familiar tropes. The cast is attractive and mostly does a good job, although there isn't a whole lot of genuine spark between Ian and Arianna. Giacomo and Audrey do a little better, thanks to the two talented veterans playing them. Fair warning: the abundance of beautiful scenery just may get you dreaming about booking the trip of a lifetime to Italy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why romantic movies like Under the Stars are always popular. What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites?
How does teamwork help save the farm? And how does asking for Arianna's input help Ian finish his book?
Are the romantic relationships in this movie realistic? Do they have an effect on your own hopes and expectations about love?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2025
- Cast : Alex Pettyfer , Eva De Dominici , Toni Collette , Andy Garcia
- Director : Michelle Danner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Aura Entertainment
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories , Friendship , Travel
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 16, 2025
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