Two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars are back together — this time, under the golden light of Rome.
Anne Hathaway and Andrew Garfield are officially reuniting for “Eternal City,” a sweeping romantic drama currently filming in Italy.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name, Challengers), the film is described as “a love story about second chances, faith, and the cities that change us.”
Plot and Setting
Set against the backdrop of modern-day Rome, Eternal City follows two Americans — Clara, a concert pianist struggling with creative burnout (Hathaway), and Eli, a journalist recovering from heartbreak (Garfield).
Their lives intersect by chance in the city’s historic center, sparking a connection that challenges their pasts and reshapes their futures.
“It’s about love that doesn’t heal you, but makes you whole again,” Guadagnino told The Hollywood Reporter.
“Rome isn’t just the setting — it’s a character. The city seduces, forgives, and transforms.”
Cast and Crew
Alongside Hathaway and Garfield, the ensemble cast includes:
- Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) as a retired priest who becomes Eli’s confidant.
- Matilda De Angelis (The Undoing) as a violinist and Clara’s creative rival.
- Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) in a cameo as Clara’s estranged ex-husband.
Cinematography is by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, Guadagnino’s longtime collaborator, known for his luminous, naturalistic style.
Themes and Tone
Eternal City continues Guadagnino’s fascination with desire, identity, and emotional transformation.
Early set reports describe the film as “intimate yet grand,” combining lush visual poetry with raw, conversational realism.
Music also plays a central role — the soundtrack will feature new compositions by Ryuichi Sakamoto Jr., the son of the late legendary composer, blending classical piano with ambient textures.
“Every Guadagnino film is about longing,” noted Vanity Fair.
“This one feels like a symphony played on cobblestones.”
Anne Hathaway’s Renaissance
Hathaway, who recently won acclaim for The Idea of You, continues her streak of career reinvention — moving from Hollywood comedy to mature, introspective dramas.
In Eternal City, she reportedly delivers one of her most vulnerable performances to date, balancing fragility with warmth.
“Anne brings light into even the darkest rooms,” Guadagnino said. “She’s our modern-day Audrey Hepburn.”
Andrew Garfield’s Return to Romance
For Garfield, Eternal City marks his first major romantic lead since The Amazing Spider-Man and Under the Silver Lake.
He described the script as “heartbreakingly honest.”
“It’s a story about forgiveness — not of others, but of yourself,” Garfield told Variety.
“Working with Anne again feels like coming home.”
Production and Release
Filming began in September 2025 and will wrap in December, using real Roman landmarks including Piazza Navona, Trastevere, and the Baths of Caracalla.
Eternal City is produced by Frenesy Film Company and Netflix, with a global release planned for fall 2026.
Why It Matters
With Eternal City, Luca Guadagnino aims to redefine the modern romantic drama — balancing elegance with realism, and emotion with restraint.
For audiences, it’s a chance to see two Oscar-nominated performers reunite under one of the most romantic directors working today.
