I have absolutely adored the first movie simply because it was quite relatable to modern day relationships, be it hetero or queer, the core was same. Even though movie ended in a cliffhanger, keeping the option open for Antonio and Luca to get back but also left the ending opened for everyone to give their own conclusion. But then came the sequel. And the hope for Luca Antonio getting back together was building to end up crumbled. My first thought was, why Luca came to see Antonio in the first place after 3 years? Why one bad review made him empathetic to sought Antonio out and take him to his shelter? He himself was in a relationship but still wasn't happy to see Antonio and Dario. The story was building towards giving them a happy ending with each other, but it took a different turn, so why building that hope for the audience? In a realistic way i could understand if this was more of a journey of Antonio to learn bout himself and understand his wants and needs better, only if Luca wasn't reciprocating and was being friendly, would have worked for me. But there was longing from his end too, which totally undermines the way it ended. Well, at least the ending was sweet, Antonio might be getting his new prince charming, though Dario was so nice, shouldn't have let him go. So again, what was the necessity to bring Luca in? This movie could have been done without him and the result would have been same, Antonio looking for new inspiration, buying the old bakery and finding his prince charming walking in through the bakery door. Luca was not needed.
All my stars are for the actors for putting on such great performances, just like the first time. The natural interactions between all of them is what made the movies more human. I have immensely enjoyed the character Dario. And thoroughly missed Denis. Wish the outcome was different and i know u don't always get what u want, but still, that little flakes of disappointment gonna fluttering around for sure.