Four To Dinner (2022)

Directed by Alessio Maria Federici

Written by Martino Coli

Rated TV-MA | 1 hour 45 minutes

THE CAST

Starring: Matilde Gioli, Giuseppe Maggio, Matteo Martari, and Ilenia Pastorelli

THE STORY

In this rom-com challenging the concept of soulmates, parallel storylines portray four single friends as they pair up in different couple combinations

THE REVIEW

An Italian rom-com exploring the concept of soulmates in a uniquely told tale. Two pairs of single men and women meet/are set up at a dinner party.  From there we follow the first steps of courtship between pairs, then suddenly we go back in time and see what would happen  if the couples had matched up differently.  From there on the film cuts back and forth between choice one and choice two. So two different storylines, or alternate worlds.

Do opposites attract or is more similar interests better? Would you be just as happy with Cindy or Sue if you didn’t know the otherwise? Would you make the same mistakes? Would you make the same choices that affect your love life?

Those are all questions this film makes you think about. Which is ultimately what I look for in a film; does it make me question life and choices I’ve made. 

Then I look at execution of the film.  Four to Dinner does a good job with the back and forth concept though there are a few transitions that are hard to tell which timeline they are in. Being a subtitled Film, it makes it even more challenging to keep track.  However, for as many times as you miss the transitions there are equally beautiful, well done, surprising transitions.  

The films strength are in the story and acting. The concept  of “what if” has been done before I’m films like Sliding Doors, but not focusing so much on the idea of soulmates.  The actors do well working as an ensemble and their comic timing crossing the language barrier.  Very grounded and three dimensions performances.

This film won’t change your life, but may cause some interesting discussions with your loved one.  It’s a worth a watch. 

THE BEST

1. The premise
   
2. The way they tell the story.
   
3. The chemistry between the actors.

THE WORST

1. At times, have trouble telling when we jumped between “timelines”.
   
2. Film doesn’t answer the question it asked.
   
3. There’s a degree of predictability within each timeline.

THE LESSON

A soulmate isn’t necessarily your sole mate.

THE FINAL WORD

An enjoyable film that will make you ask questions about love, soulmates, and the choices you make.

THE VERDICT

Based on my 3 L system; Love It, Like It, or Lose It……Four To Dinner gets a Like It.

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.