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I Don't Understand You (2025) movie poster

Characters & Themes

I Don't Understand You (2025) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2025 · 1 h 36 m · English
Echo score 62
JustWatch #9,587 16
Directed by
Brian Crano
Starring
Amanda Seyfried, Andrew Rannells, Jessamine Burgum, Morgan Spector, Nunzia Schiano, Nick Kroll

A couple, Dom and Cole, planning to adopt a baby, decide to take a trip to Italy to reconnect before their new child arrives. What begins as a picturesque European getaway quickly descends into chaos as they become lost and encounter a series of increasingly absurd and unpredictable events.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (2)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like I Don't Understand You
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch I Don't Understand You (2025)

Where can you watch I Don't Understand You? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Hulu, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

I Don't Understand You Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of I Don't Understand You (2025), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Dom

    played by Andrew Rannells

    Dom is portrayed as a dedicated partner who values tradition and family. His close ties to his past, including connections to friends and family in Italy, shape his character. Dom also exhibits a sense of adventure, willing to embrace new experiences even in challenging situations.

    • 🧑‍❤️‍💋‍🧑 Love
    • 🌍 Adventure
    • 🌧️ Resilience
  • Cole

    played by Nick Kroll

    Cole is a staunch vegetarian and a cultured individual who brings a humorous perspective to the story. His character is defined by his values and willingness to step out of his comfort zone. Cole's role in the film emphasizes the balance between personal beliefs and the joys of shared experiences with loved ones.

    • 🍽️ Foodie
    • 🌈 LGBTQ+
    • 🎉 Celebration
  • Candace

    played by Amanda Seyfried

    Candace represents a growing familial bond, as she is the catalyst for Dom and Cole's decision to consider adoption. Her character adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing themes of love and responsibility. Candace's journey influences the couple's relationship and their views on parenthood.

    • 👶 Parenthood
    • 💌 Connection
    • 🌟 Hope
  • Zia Luciana

    played by Nunzia Schiano

    Zia Luciana is the warm-hearted restaurant owner who embodies Italian hospitality. Her character introduces viewers to the rich culinary traditions of rural Italy, serving as the welcoming figure in the couple's adventure. Her passion for food and life enhances the festive atmosphere of the dinner celebration.

    • 🇮🇹 Hospitality
    • 🍷 Tradition
    • 👩‍🍳 Culinary

Last updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

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Setting

Where and When Does I Don't Understand You Take Place?

The setting of I Don't Understand You (2025): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The timeline of the movie appears contemporary, depicting modern societal themes surrounding adoption and relationships. The characters celebrate a significant milestone, their 10th anniversary, adding a personal touch that resonates with today's audience.

Location

Los Angeles, Italy, Orvieto

The movie begins in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture. The couple travels to Italy, where they visit the enchanting town of Orvieto, famous for its stunning architecture and rich history. In Orvieto, they experience dining at a rustic farm restaurant, highlighting the beauty and charm of rural Italian life.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🍝 Restaurant
  • 🌾 Rural

Last updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

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2 major themes

I Don't Understand You Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is I Don't Understand You (2025) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Love

    At its core, the movie explores love in various forms, particularly the bond between Dom and Cole, who are navigating their relationship amidst new challenges. Their decision to adopt also highlights the depth of their commitment to creating a family. Love transcends the difficulties they face as they embark on this journey together.

  • Culinary Adventure

    The film also showcases a culinary adventure, where food becomes a pivotal element of the narrative. The couple's experience at the farm restaurant in Italy embodies the local culture and traditions, making gastronomy a central theme. Cole's struggle with trying horse sausage adds a humorous twist to their gastronomic exploration.

Last updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

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Character & theme questions

I Don't Understand You Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about I Don't Understand You (2025): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The film takes place primarily in Italy, specifically in the charming town of Orvieto, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. The story begins in Los Angeles before the couple travels to Italy for their getaway.

  • italy
  • orvieto
  • setting
  • location
  • travel
  • los angeles
Q2

When does the movie take place?

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal themes around adoption and relationships. The couple is celebrating their 10th anniversary, anchoring the story in the present day.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • 10th anniversary
Q3

What are the main themes of the movie?

The movie centers on two primary themes: love and culinary adventure. The love theme explores the bond between Dom and Cole as they navigate their relationship and prepare for adoption. The culinary adventure theme highlights their experience with Italian food culture, particularly at a rustic farm restaurant in Orvieto.

  • themes
  • love
  • culinary
  • food
  • adventure
  • italian cuisine
Q4

Who is Dom in the movie?

Dom, played by Andrew Rannells, is portrayed as a dedicated partner who values tradition and family. He has close ties to friends and family in Italy and exhibits a sense of adventure, willing to embrace new experiences even in challenging situations.

  • dom
  • andrew rannells
  • character
  • partner
  • family
Q5

Who is Cole in the movie?

Cole, played by Nick Kroll, is a staunch vegetarian and cultured individual who brings humor to the story. His character emphasizes the balance between personal beliefs and the joys of shared experiences with loved ones, including his comedic struggle with trying horse sausage at the farm restaurant.

  • cole
  • nick kroll
  • character
  • vegetarian
  • humor
Q6

What role does Candace play?

Candace, played by Amanda Seyfried, serves as the catalyst for Dom and Cole's decision to consider adoption. Her character represents a growing familial bond and adds depth to the narrative by emphasizing themes of love and responsibility.

  • candace
  • amanda seyfried
  • character
  • adoption
  • family
Q7

Who is Zia Luciana?

Zia Luciana, played by Nunzia Schiano, is the warm-hearted restaurant owner at the rustic farm restaurant in Orvieto. She embodies Italian hospitality and introduces viewers to the rich culinary traditions of rural Italy, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the couple's dinner experience.

  • zia luciana
  • nunzia schiano
  • restaurant owner
  • italian hospitality
  • chef
Q8

Why are Dom and Cole planning to adopt?

Dom and Cole are planning to adopt a baby as part of their journey to create a family together. Their decision to take a trip to Italy before their new child arrives is meant to help them reconnect and strengthen their relationship as they prepare for parenthood.

  • adoption
  • baby
  • family
  • parenthood
  • couple
Q9

Is this movie a comedy, horror, or both?

The movie is classified as both Comedy and Horror. While it features absurd and unpredictable events that create tension, the overall tone remains light with comedic and heartwarming resolutions. The story balances situational obstacles with humor, culminating in a happy ending that reaffirms the couple's relationship.

  • comedy
  • horror
  • genre
  • tone
  • lighthearted
Q10

What role does Italian food play in the movie?

Italian cuisine is a central theme in the film, with the couple's dining experience at a rustic farm restaurant in Orvieto being a pivotal narrative element. The culinary adventure showcases local culture and traditions, featuring moments like Cole's humorous struggle with trying horse sausage.

  • italian food
  • restaurant
  • farm
  • culinary
  • sausage
  • orvieto

Movie threads

More Movies Like I Don't Understand You, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes I Don't Understand You tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Chaotic Couples Getaways like in I Don't Understand You

Romantic trips that spiral into comedic chaos, testing and strengthening bonds. If you liked the blend of romance and comedic chaos in I Don't Understand You, you'll enjoy these movies. This collection features couples whose picturesque trips go hilariously wrong, leading to unexpected adventures that ultimately bring them closer together. Find similar stories of bonding through travel mishaps.

  • lighthearted
  • adventurous
  • awkward
  • hopeful
  • challenging
  • warm
  • Tone: light, humorous, warm
  • Pacing: steady, event-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically begins with a couple seeking a relaxing or romantic escape. Their plans are quickly derailed by a cascade of unforeseen events—getting lost, cultural misunderstandings, or bizarre encounters. The conflict is primarily external and situational, serving as a catalyst for the couple to overcome obstacles together, resulting in a reaffirmed and happier relationship by the end.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared lighthearted tone, the specific narrative device of a trip-gone-wrong, and the central theme of a relationship being tested by comedic adversity. They balance romance and humor with a steady pace, creating a feel-good experience about connection forged in chaos.

Culture Clash Comedies like I Don't Understand You

Well-intentioned travelers facing hilarious misunderstandings in a foreign land. Looking for more movies like I Don't Understand You? This list features comedies where characters experience a funny and awkward culture clash while traveling abroad. These films capture the humor and warmth that comes from navigating unfamiliar customs and unexpected hospitality in a foreign setting.

  • awkward
  • lighthearted
  • warm
  • funny
  • hopeful
  • challenging
  • Tone: light, awkward, warm
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot follows protagonists as they enter a new cultural environment with certain expectations, which are immediately subverted. A chain of events fueled by miscommunication and cultural differences creates the primary comedic conflict. The resolution often involves the characters learning to adapt, leading to newfound appreciation and human connection that transcends the initial awkwardness.

Why they belong together: This thread unites films through the specific comedic premise of cultural misunderstanding. The shared elements include a light tone, a steady pace of escalating mishaps, and a core theme of finding common humanity. The experience is defined by its awkward yet heartwarming humor.

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Movies Like I Don't Understand You

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Every angle

I Don't Understand You (2025) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about I Don't Understand You in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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