Director and Style
Directed by Ryan Dewar who is distinguished for his rom-com narratives and visually appealing stories, A Toast to Love marries European scenery with an intriguing quest for history. The cinematography contains an interesting interplay between the marine archaeological expeditions and the Spanish sunlit vineyards.
Plot Overview
Brooke Burfitt stars as Dr. Bree Farringdon, a marine archaeologist struggling in funding her research program. She finds the ruins of La Mariana, an unremarkable boat from the world’s history but one shrouded in controversy due to a young couple that its seems to have in its belly. Finding the ship’s sealed wine barrels and bones creates a pivot that gives rise to a current-day adventure with an embedded historical romance.
A strange businessman suggests Bree to recreate the red wine lore and synthetically integrate into the wine, the historical wine that Bree is enthralled by the prospect of discovering the story behind the wine and its source. But, her meeting with Mateo Vega, a hot-headed Spanish winemaker changes everything about how Bree views him. The lovers explore the wine’s premise and how it was made, now the business venture becomes a love story for the two.
Themes and Subtext
The movie explores themes of:
- Cultural Heritage: The preservation of ancient artifacts and traditions against the backdrop of modernization.
- Intergenerational Romance: The parallel narratives of historical and contemporary love stories enrich the plot’s depth.
- Personal Growth: Bree’s transformation from a purely scientific viewpoint to embracing the emotional connections history can provide.
Cast Highlights
- Brooke Burfitt (Bree Farringdon): Her performance brings a mix of intellect and vulnerability to the character, reflecting a woman torn between logic and emotion.
- Daniel Lundh (Mateo Vega): Lundh’s portrayal of Mateo is both passionate and grounded, with the chemistry between him and Burfitt being a highlight.
- Nicholas Farrell (Professor Dale Farringdon): As Bree’s mentor and father figure, Farrell provides a wise and endearing presence.
- Callum Kerr (Finn Robinson): Adds lighthearted charm as Bree’s colleague and confidant.
- Caprice Bourret (Eliza Van Deuzen): A wealthy and ambitious investor, Bourret’s role brings tension and stakes to Bree’s journey.
Reception
Critics have praised the film for:
- Engaging Storyline: The seamless weaving of historical intrigue with modern romance keeps viewers captivated.
- Performances: The lead actors’ chemistry and nuanced performances elevate the material.
- Cinematic Style: The blend of maritime adventure and scenic Spanish vineyards offers an aesthetic feast.
Behind the Scenes
The film was filmed on sites in Spain’s beautiful Rioja wine region and the coasts of Mediterranean Sea. To some extent, the film was able to depict historical accuracy thanks to authentic historical props such as replicas of wine bottles from the 18th century. The involvement of historians as well as local winemakers helped create the cultural context accurately.
Streaming and Availability
The film can be streamed on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, and The Roku Channel. It is also proving to be a hit amongst the audience who enjoys romance or period dramas.
Why Watch?
Lovers of Letters to Juliet and Under the Tuscan Sun will appreciate A Toast to Love for its certainties of romance and intriguing history in addition to the beautiful fringe of the film. The film allows the audience to raise their glasses in honor of love that transcends time.
