Love Under the Olive Tree

Love Under the Olive Tree is a 2020 Hallmark Channel movie featuring Tori Anderson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and Gardiner Millar. This romantic drama comedy showcases an enchanting tale of love and rivalry woven into the backdrop of a centuries-old tradition in the olive oil business. The movie gracefully explores themes of loyalty, rivalry, heritage, and the transformative power of love. Expertly directed by Peter DeLuise, Love Under the Olive Tree hits all the right notes to offer a delightful watch for fans of romantic comedies and those with a soft spot for heartening Hallmark movies.

Tori Anderson stars as Nicole Cabella, a dedicated and ambitious woman working for her father's olive oil company Cabella Oil. Optimistic and extremely passionate about her family's olive oil business, Nicole is on a mission to modernize the operations and introduce innovative, eco-friendly methods. She envisions a brighter future for her traditional family business and aims to step out of the antiquated practices.

Opposite Nicole, Benjamin Hollingsworth plays Jake Brandini, an endearing character who is the heir to the Brandini family's olive oil business, Cabella Oil's long-time competitors. Smart and charming, Jake adheres staunchly to the legacy of his family business. With his values deeply rooted in the principles of family tradition, he resists the modern tide disrupting the time-honored practices of olive oil production.

What follows is a chain of events that lay the perfect foundation for a longstanding rivalry between the Cabellas and Brandinis. The conflict between modernity and tradition stirs the pot, making the situation increasingly tense. Adding more flavor to the dramatic rivalry is the announcement of an annual competition, where both families compete to produce the best quality olive oil.

The tension thickens when Nicole and Jake surprisingly start developing feelings for each other. As their paths cross more frequently, they find themselves drawn towards each other, setting the stage for a charming 'enemies to lovers' romantic plot. Despite their professional rivalry and diverging philosophies, they find common ground as they navigate the complexities of family, business, and unexpected romance.

Amidst all this, Gardiner Millar gives a compelling performance as Nicole's father, the aged and rigid patriarch of the Cabella Family. He skillfully portrays the quintessential old-guard, defending his territory and unwilling to succumb to modern influence.

Beautiful locations are a hallmark of this movie, most notably, the scenic olive orchards under the serene blue sky. The movie infuses a sense of picturesque tranquillity through its visual storytelling, transporting viewers to the sunny olive groves. The olive tree, around which the story intertwines, becomes a symbol of endurance, growth, and love, subtly echoing in the evolving relationship between Nicole and Jake.

Love Under the Olive Tree manages to strike a delicate balance between romance, comedy, and drama. Director Peter DeLuise's discerning approach to the storytelling beautifully highlights the dichotomy between tradition and modernity. Meanwhile, the unfolding love story between Nicole and Jake remains at the center, ensuring an emotional rollercoaster for the viewers.

The enjoyable mix of characters, each with their traits and arcs, give the movie a refreshing edge. As each character navigates their struggles, viewers find themselves rooting for their favorites and immersing in their journeys. The movie does a tremendous job in building its narrative around the warmth and complexities of familial ties, rivalries, and inevitable modernization.

Powered by strong performances from the entire star cast, especially Tori Anderson and Benjamin Hollingsworth, Love Under the Olive Tree is a romantic viewing delight. Its story full of love, laughter, rivalry, and olive oil strikes a chord, making it a movie worth watching for fans of the genre.

In essence, Love Under the Olive Tree is a feel-good, heartwarming movie that successfully blends romance and humor with a dash of family rivalry drama. It's delicate balance between light-hearted romance, the nostalgia of tradition, and the pressure of modernity makes it a delightful viewing experience, perfect for a cozy evening in.