It may be tempting to instantly dismiss “A Chance Encounter” as another warm and fuzzy romance, especially after the meet-cute between the film’s two protagonists, elegantly framed by the scenery of the gorgeous Italian countryside. While there is undoubtedly a tender component to its story, writer-director Alexander Jeffery steers clear of the overly sweet and syrupy. His interests lie elsewhere, namely in his two wandering artists and their struggle to find the courage to believe in themselves.

Hal Flynn (Paul Petersen) is a talented writer who owns a print shop with his brother in Iowa. He’s an aspiring poet but his lack of confidence in his own abilities leads him to keep his work to himself. After being left a sizable sum of money by his late mother, Hal decides to travel to Sicily in hopes of finding inspiration and to help cope with his loss.

In the cozy tourist town of Taormina, Hal has the titular ‘chance encounter’. He meets a fellow American named Josie Day (played by singer Andrea von Kampen in her acting debut). Josie is a famous-ish folk singer from Minnesota who’s having a hard time putting together songs for her sophomore album. So she strolls through town with her Martin acoustic guitar, singing and playing whatever comes to mind.

I won’t spoil the details of their meeting but there is clearly some chemistry between them. The two meet up several times over the next few days, just walking and talking (think Richard Linklater but with lighter and less existential musings). As they do, Jeffery treats us to a buffet of captivating locations including historical landmarks, quaint parts of town, and stunning vistas that highlight Italy’s beauty.

The more time Hal and Josie spend together the more they begin opening up to each other and us. We learn they both have secrets that they’re not quite ready to share and insecurities that are weighing them down like an anchor. Yet they find solace in each other’s company. Things really accelerate after Josie invites Hal to come stay with her in her lavish villa. Nothing romantic she insists. “A writer’s retreat.”

Of course we can tell they’re avoiding the obvious. Jeffrey (who co-wrote the script with Peterson) lures us into wondering if the same lack of confidence that keeps them from pursuing their art will also keep them from admitting their feelings for one another. To his credit he avoids the temptation to go the conventional route. And there’s something refreshing about a relationship that remains mostly platonic, which allows the characters to grow naturally rather than by some by-the-book genre blueprint.

The story gets needlessly complicated by the introduction of another American tourist whose sole purpose seems to be a hurdle. There are also times where the lack of acting experience from the two leads is pretty evident. But there’s so much to like in this sincere and engaging indie drama. Von Kampen’s soulful original music, the choice to shoot on location, the willingness to explore a relationship beyond what we have come to expect from these films – just some of the strengths that make this such a treat to watch.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS