Hot Takes: Giuseppe Futia On Netflix’s “La Dolce Villa” Plus Anthony Keyvan And Joshua Lee’s “XO, Kitty” Love Story
Falling for Giuseppe Futia in La Dolce Villa
This Valentine’s Day, Netflix has served up the perfect romantic escape with La Dolce Villa, and it’s impossible not to notice Giuseppe Futia. Directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls), the film tells the story of a single dad, played by Scott Foley (Scandal), trying to dissuade his ambitious daughter Olivia, portrayed by Maia Reficco (Do Revenge), from restoring a crumbling villa in Tuscany. But it’s Futia, stepping into the role of Giovanni, a kind-hearted young cook, who truly steals the show.
Giovanni’s charm is undeniable, and from the moment he appears, you know sparks are about to fly. Olivia doesn’t stand a chance, and honestly, neither do we.
Born in Calabria, Southern Italy, he brought authenticity to Giovanni’s culinary flair, blending his roots with his love of acting. “I’m a total foodie,” Futia admits. And while playing straight might’ve been a stretch for some, he says working with Reficco made it easy. “She’s so lovely,” he shares.
Britney, Meryl, and Queer Inspiration
When asked about the media that shaped his understanding of queerness, Futia’s answer shows a mix of pop culture and personal growth. “Growing up, my sister was obsessed with Britney Spears, and I remember watching Piece Of Me on MTV and feeling something, you know?” he says. And as for the acting bug? That came courtesy of Meryl Streep. “I saw her in The Devil Wears Prada when I was 12, and then I saw her in something completely different. I thought, ‘Wait, how can someone transform like that? I want to do that.’”
With La Dolce Villa now streaming, Futia’s career is just heating up. If this film is any indication, he’s a rising star worth keeping an eye on.
Love and Rivalry in XO, Kitty
What’s better than a love story? A love story with a bit of competition. Enter Anthony Keyvan (Quincy “Q” Shabazian) and Joshua Lee (Jin) in Netflix’s XO, Kitty. Their storyline has everything: slow-burn romance, personal growth, and a good dose of drama.
Q and Jin’s relationship starts as classic rivals-to-lovers fare. Jin is a confident, slightly scheming track star who throws Q off his game with a mix of charm and mischief. What begins as a playful distraction complete with a night of dancing turns into something deeper as both characters reveal more of themselves.
From Rivals to Something More
At first, Jin plays to win, even if it means leaving Q in the dust. But Q isn’t one to back down, and his resilience, both on and off the track, is infectious. Alongside his tight-knit group of friends—including Kitty, who has her own romantic drama, Q finds the strength to push forward, both in sport and in love.
Over time, Jin’s facade starts to crack. Behind the competitive exterior is someone who genuinely cares for Q. He’s willing to own up to his missteps, even embracing a good-natured roast from their friend group as penance for his earlier games.
GENTE É SIMPLES, Q E JIN O MAIOR CASAL DA S02 DE XO KITTY #XoKitty pic.twitter.com/qR5kBejXLs
— 𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓰𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓻𝔂 (@Mont6147) February 10, 2025
When Jin faces an injury that jeopardises his time on the track, Q steps up in a big way. It’s not just about proving himself anymore; it’s about showing up for the boy who once tried to outpace him. By the time Q triumphs on the track, it feels like a win for both of them.
XO, Kitty walks a fine line with its rivals-to-lovers trope. While it’s easy to romanticise the idea of tension turning into passion, the show never loses sight of what really matters: personal growth and connection.
