"Only You," released in 1994, is a romantic comedy film directed by Norman Jewison. The movie stars Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. in a charming story about destiny, love, and the pursuit of one’s soulmate.
The plot centers around Faith Corvatch (Marisa Tomei), a young woman who has always believed in destiny. As a child, she played with a Ouija board, which revealed that her soulmate's name was "Damon Bradley." Years later, just before her wedding to a podiatrist named Dwayne (John Benjamin Hickey), Faith receives a phone call from a man named Damon Bradley, who is a friend of her fiancé. This revelation reignites her belief in destiny, and she impulsively decides to travel to Italy in search of this mysterious man, convinced he is her true love.
Accompanied by her best friend, Kate (Bonnie Hunt), Faith embarks on a whimsical journey across Italy. Along the way, she encounters Peter Wright (Robert Downey Jr.), who is also searching for Damon Bradley. Peter is immediately smitten with Faith and pretends to be Damon in an effort to win her heart. As they travel through picturesque Italian locales, Faith and Peter's connection grows, and Faith is forced to confront her ideas about destiny and true love.
Marisa Tomei delivers a heartfelt and endearing performance as Faith, capturing her character's romantic idealism and vulnerability. Robert Downey Jr. brings charm and wit to the role of Peter, creating a believable and engaging chemistry with Tomei. Bonnie Hunt provides comic relief and a grounded perspective as Kate, adding depth to the film’s exploration of love and friendship.
The film is beautifully shot, with the stunning scenery of Italy serving as a romantic backdrop for Faith's journey. The charming towns, scenic landscapes, and historic architecture enhance the whimsical and dreamlike quality of the story.
"Only You" explores themes of fate, serendipity, and the tension between romantic idealism and the realities of love. It questions whether true love is a matter of destiny or choice and examines the lengths to which people will go to find their soulmate.
While "Only You" received mixed reviews from critics, it was appreciated for its lighthearted and fairy-tale-like approach to romance. The film's appeal lies in its charming performances, picturesque settings, and the timeless allure of a love story driven by destiny.
Overall, "Only You" is a delightful romantic comedy that offers an engaging and heartwarming narrative. Its exploration of destiny and love, combined with the charismatic performances of Tomei and Downey, makes it a memorable and enjoyable film for fans of the genre.