When Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells set out to celebrate their 10th anniversary in Italy in the dark comedy I Don’t Understand You, what begins as a romantic getaway quickly spirals into a chaotic nightmare. Directed and written by real-life married couple David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano, the film explores the lengths a couple will go to for family, blending comedy, horror, and heartfelt moments in a picturesque Italian countryside setting.
Dom and Cole, played by Kroll and Rannells respectively, are a gay couple desperate to adopt a child after a previous attempt fell through. Their Italian vacation is meant to be a joyful celebration before embracing parenthood, but a series of misadventures rooted in a language barrier throws their plans into disarray. Their car breaks down en route to an anniversary dinner, forcing them to rely on locals despite their almost nonexistent grasp of Italian—a predicament that sets the stage for a fish-out-of-water comedy filled with misunderstandings and escalating mishaps.
According to PEOPLE, the story is inspired by the real-life experiences of Craig and Crano, who themselves found inspiration after getting stuck on the side of an Italian road while celebrating their own 10th anniversary. This personal connection lends authenticity to the film’s portrayal of a couple navigating unfamiliar terrain, both literally and emotionally. Craig explained that Kroll and Rannells were cast because they "love each other in real life and they really get each other," making their onscreen chemistry feel natural and effortless.
Rannells echoed this sentiment, telling PEOPLE, "I really did rely on Nick, and I leaned on Nick. He was very generous, and we really took turns taking care of each other. I really didn't think too much about, like, how do we pull off being a couple." Kroll added, "It was very natural, just very natural." Their dynamic is indeed electric, and their performances anchor the film’s blend of humor and horror with charm and emotional depth.
The film’s plot takes a dark turn when Dom and Cole, after finally reaching their intended destination—a home of a legendary, reclusive elderly Italian chef—accidentally kill their host. This grim event propels the story into a blood-soaked farce reminiscent of films like Very Bad Things, where ordinary people become unwitting killers trying to cover their tracks. The ensuing chaos is punctuated by unexpected arrivals and mounting tension, as the couple’s desperate attempts to manage the fallout spiral out of control.
While the premise promises a thrilling dark comedy, critical reception has been mixed. Some reviewers note that the film’s first act drags, spending too much time on the adoption subplot and interactions with a family whose presence barely impacts the main story. This slow build-up, combined with underdeveloped characters, leaves the audience with only a surface-level understanding of Dom and Cole beyond their love and shared goal of parenthood.
Despite these criticisms, the film benefits greatly from Kroll and Rannells’ performances. Their ability to portray a loving couple with natural chemistry is a highlight, even when the script leans heavily on the language barrier joke—which, as some critiques point out, wears thin quickly. The titular language misunderstandings provide two genuinely funny moments, but the gag is overused, limiting the comedic payoff over the film’s 90-minute runtime.
Cinematographer Lowell A. Meyer enhances the film’s atmosphere with stunning visuals of the Italian countryside, playing beautifully with light to underscore key moments—especially in the film’s climactic sequences. The contrast between the idyllic setting and the darkly comedic violence adds a unique layer to the viewing experience.
Behind the scenes, the cast faced some memorable challenges. Kroll humorously recounted to FOX 5 Atlanta that he’d rather be covered in blood than mud, having spent several uncomfortable days filming in muddy conditions near Rome. Meanwhile, co-star Morgan Spector, who plays the enthusiastic son of the deceased chef, tried to bond with baby goats brought to set, only to be rebuffed by the animals—a lighthearted anecdote amidst the film’s darker themes. Spector’s performance is noted as scene-stealing, bringing energy and levity to his role.
Importantly, I Don’t Understand You arrives at a culturally significant moment, debuting as Pride Month begins and Father’s Day approaches. Co-director Brian Crano highlighted the film’s importance in featuring gay characters who are neither tragic nor victims but complex individuals navigating love, danger, and parenthood. This representation is a welcome departure from traditional portrayals and adds meaningful context to the film’s narrative.
Despite its flaws, I Don’t Understand You offers a unique blend of comedy and horror, elevated by the heartfelt performances of its leads and the real-life inspiration behind its story. It’s a film that asks, "How far would you go for your family?" and answers with a darkly comic, sometimes bloody, exploration of love and survival in a foreign land.
The film officially opened in theaters on June 6, 2025, including select Canadian cities such as Toronto’s TIFF Lightbox. While it may not be a perfect cinematic experience, for fans of dark comedy and the undeniable chemistry of Kroll and Rannells, it’s a memorable ride worth taking.
