Okay, let's dust off a particularly charming cassette from the mid-90s shelf. Remember 1994? It felt like a sweet spot for romantic comedies – less cynical than some later fare, but sophisticated enough for grown-up hearts. And nestled right in there is Only You, a film that arrived carrying the glow of its leading lady, Marisa Tomei, fresh off her sparkling, unexpected Oscar win for My Cousin Vinny (1992). Could she capture lightning in a bottle again? The premise alone – a woman chasing a name whispered by a Ouija board years ago all the way to Italy – felt like pure, hopeful fantasy, the kind that seemed perfectly plausible projected onto our living room CRTs.
### A Whirlwind Roman Holiday (and Beyond)
The setup is pure storybook wish fulfillment. Faith Corvatch (Marisa Tomei) is engaged to a nice-but-dull podiatrist, but she's haunted by a name: Damon Bradley. Revealed years earlier during a session with a Ouija board and confirmed by a carnival fortune teller, this name represents her soulmate, her destiny. When a "Damon Bradley" calls just days before her wedding to wish her fiancé well (he's an old acquaintance supposedly heading to Venice), Faith ditches the dress, grabs her supportive sister-in-law Kate (Bonnie Hunt, delivering pitch-perfect dry wit), and hops on the next flight to Italy. It’s impulsive, slightly mad, and utterly romantic – the kind of grand gesture many of us secretly dreamed of making, even if just vicariously through the flickering magic of a VHS tape.
What follows isn't just a search for a man, but a gorgeous travelogue romance. Director Norman Jewison, a filmmaker with an incredible pedigree ranging from the socially charged In the Heat of the Night (1967) to the swooning romance of Moonstruck (1987), knew exactly how to capture the magic. He lets Italy itself become a central character. From the canals of Venice to the bustling streets of Rome and the breathtaking cliffs of Positano, the film is a visual love letter, stunningly shot by the legendary cinematographer Sven Nykvist (a frequent Ingmar Bergman collaborator). You can almost feel the warm Italian sun and taste the gelato. This wasn't just a backdrop; it was an integral part of the spell the movie cast.
### Sparks Fly Under the Tuscan Sun (Metaphorically Speaking)
Of course, Faith doesn't immediately find the Damon Bradley. Instead, she encounters Peter Wright, played with that signature blend of rogue charm and underlying sweetness only Robert Downey Jr. could muster, even back then before his massive career resurgence. He’s instantly smitten and, in a moment of perhaps questionable judgment but undeniable romantic impulse, introduces himself as... well, you guessed it. The chemistry between Tomei and Downey Jr. is the absolute engine of this film. She brings a wide-eyed, almost desperate hopefulness to Faith, making her quest feel genuine rather than foolish. He brings charisma in spades, making Peter’s deception understandable, if not entirely forgivable. Watching them navigate their increasingly complicated feelings amidst the stunning Italian scenery is pure rom-com delight. And let's not forget Bonnie Hunt, whose pragmatic commentary ("Shoes. Find him, whoever he is, and get the shoes") grounds the fantasy and provides many of the film's biggest laughs.
### Fate, Chance, and Retro Charm
Written by Diane Drake in her feature debut (apparently inspired by a friend's similar, though less dramatic, story!), the screenplay leans heavily into themes of fate, destiny, and soulmates. Is there really just one person out there for everyone? Only You wholeheartedly embraces the idea, presenting it with an earnestness that feels refreshingly sincere compared to the irony often favored today. Jewison himself mentioned being drawn to the script's old-fashioned, classical romantic feel. It plays with familiar tropes – mistaken identity, the "meet cute," the race against time – but does so with such warmth and conviction that you can't help but be swept along. The lush score, featuring classic Italian songs and romantic orchestral pieces, further enhances the dreamlike atmosphere.
Retro Fun Facts: It's fascinating to think Jewison, a director known for tackling weighty subjects, embraced such a light, frothy romance – but his deft touch elevates it. RDJ reportedly ad-libbed some of his lines, adding to Peter's spontaneous charm. The film was a moderate success, pulling in over $50 million worldwide against a $20 million budget (respectable numbers for a 90s rom-com without huge action set pieces). While maybe not a box office titan, its charm certainly found an audience, becoming a beloved rental favorite for anyone needing a dose of pure, unadulterated romance.
### Still Sparkling After All These Years?
Does Only You hold up? Absolutely. It’s a film that knows exactly what it is: a fairy tale for adults set against one of the most beautiful backdrops imaginable. The plot requires a significant suspension of disbelief, naturally, but the genuine emotion brought by Tomei, the irresistible charm of Downey Jr., the comedic brilliance of Hunt, and Jewison's elegant direction make it easy to forgive the contrivances. It captures a specific flavor of 90s romantic comedy – optimistic, visually lush, and deeply committed to the power of love and destiny. Rewatching it feels like slipping into a comfortable, cherished memory. Maybe my old VHS copy is long gone, but the feeling it evokes – that giddy hopefulness, that belief in grand romantic gestures – remains potent.
Rating: 8/10
This score reflects the film's undeniable charm, fantastic lead chemistry, gorgeous visuals, and masterful direction within its genre. It fully achieves its goal of being a swoon-worthy, feel-good romantic escape, elevated by its cast and Italian setting. While the plot relies heavily on coincidence, it does so with such wholehearted conviction that it works beautifully as a modern fairy tale.
For a dose of pure, escapist 90s romance that will make you want to book the next flight to Italy, Only You is waiting to charm you all over again. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most illogical journeys lead to the most magical destinations.