Italian cinema rarely serves up queer romcoms. Beyond a handful of Ferzan Ozpetek gems – which became cult favorites among LGBTQ+ audiences – the landscape skews heteronormative and formulaic. Mascarpone (in Italian, Maschile Singolare) broke that pattern, standing out as a fresh, sharp take on gay dating. This sequel, Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake (Maschile Plurale in Italian), picks up three years later, after the death of Denis, Antonio, and Luca’s friend-with-benefits. Antonio is now a food influencer; Luca works at an LGBTQ+ youth shelter and has a new partner. A chance run-in at one of Antonio’s events leads the exes to open a bakery together.
The film milks the sexual tension and undeniable chemistry – longing looks, charged, shirtless banter – between its two lead characters, while expanding into weightier themes: grief, chosen family, and the pressures of discrimination in contemporary Italy. There are lighter moments, too, many driven by Cri (Michela Giraud), a scene-stealing best friend/accountant who’s equal parts Anyonio’s emotional support and his blunt inner voice.
What’s missing is the bite. The first film’s witty, clear-eyed commentary on gay dating has been softened into something tamer and at times a little cringe. The edge is sanded down, and this sequel ends up feeling like a domesticated version of Mascarpone.
The cast keeps it buoyant, or tries to. Commare and Saurino remain charming, grounded leads with easy, lived-in rapport. Giraud shines again. Unfortunately, the newcomers are less compelling: Andrea Fuorto’s Tancredi, Luca’s new boyfriend, is set up to be an intriguing complicator, but fades into a ghostly, extraneous presence.
Director Alessandro Guida leans on classic romcom grammar – think Chocolat’s food-and-flirtation alchemy – while layering in deeper discussions of queerness and class. The recipe yields an enjoyable enough blend of romance and drama, and will-they-won’t-they tension. And the film ends on a strong note: open enough to leave room for sequels, but satisfying enough to stand alone.
Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake may not reach its predecessor’s heights, but as a warm, sometimes thoughtful slice of love and friendship within a chosen family, it’s still worth a taste.
Why should public libraries add this queer Italian romance film to their shelves?
Public libraries looking to expand their world cinema and LGBTQ+ collections will find Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake a valuable addition. Italian queer romance films are rare, and this sequel provides representation within a genre often dominated by heterosexual storylines.
Is this Italian queer romance film appropriate for campus screenings and pride programming?
Yes, Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake is well-suited for campus screenings and Pride-related programming. For LGBTQ+ student groups, it’s a film that encourages dialogue about representation in European cinema and the evolution of queer relationships onscreen. This film is a strong choice for Pride Month events, film-club nights, or discussions around international queer media.
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