Nonnas (2025) Movie Review: A Heartwarming Tribute to Family, Food, and Grief
“You need to feed your grief. It’s the only way through.” — a line from Nonnas (2025) that lingers long after the credits roll. This Netflix original film, directed by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and written by Liz Maccie and Jody Scaravella, is more than just a dramatized retelling. It is a lovingly prepared tribute to Italian roots, maternal bonds, and the healing power of home-cooked meals.
Based on the true story of Jody Scaravella’s Staten Island restaurant Enoteca Maria, where real Italian grandmothers run the kitchen, Nonnas follows a grieving son, Joe (played with quiet charm by Vince Vaughn), who opens a restaurant in honor of his late mother. What sets the restaurant apart? The chefs are all nonnas, seasoned in both cooking and life.
Plot Overview: Feeding Grief, One Dish at a Time
After the death of his beloved mother, Joe is left unmoored and heartbroken. Inspired by his family heritage, he opens a restaurant staffed entirely by Italian grandmothers, each bringing their regional recipes and life stories to the table. The restaurant becomes more than a business—it’s a sanctuary where memories simmer, laughter bubbles, and grief is stirred into something nourishing.
The narrative is straightforward, perhaps even familiar: an underdog with a big heart takes a bold chance, forms a makeshift family, and rediscovers purpose. But Nonnas succeeds in how it tells this story—with sincerity, cultural specificity, and an unashamed embrace of sentimentality.
Cast & Performances: Italian Soul, American Charm
Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella
Vince Vaughn delivers one of his most sincere performances to date. His portrayal of Joe is both subdued and emotionally resonant. Vaughn is typically known for his brash comedic roles, but here he brings a quiet authenticity that makes his character believable and deeply relatable.
The Nonnas
The real stars of the film are the nonnas, played by acting royalty:
- Susan Sarandon as Gia
- Lorraine Bracco as Roberta
- Talia Shire as Teresa
- Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella
Each actress brings her own unique flavor, much like the characters they portray. Their chemistry is natural and heartwarming. A standout moment is an unscripted-feeling scene where the nonnas share wine and stories about their past. It’s an emotionally powerful sequence that feels more documentary than drama.
Supporting Cast
Linda Cardellini, Joe Manganiello, Drea de Matteo, and others round out the cast with warmth and charisma. Cardellini’s role as Olivia—Joe’s high school flame—offers a tender subplot that avoids melodrama. Manganiello, as Joe’s best friend Bruno, brings unexpected emotional depth.
Direction & Cinematography: Comfort in the Frame
Stephen Chbosky’s direction leans into sentiment without becoming saccharine. The cinematography emphasizes warm, earthy tones, evoking memories of family kitchens and sunlit Italian villas. The food is gorgeously shot, often in long, loving closeups that feel almost tactile. You can nearly smell the garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil.
Soundtrack: A Melodic Plate of Nostalgia
The music is a blend of Italian folk and contemporary acoustic, always in service of mood. From cooking montages to teary-eyed farewells, the score knows when to take center stage and when to simply let the scene breathe. It’s the kind of soundtrack you might add to your kitchen playlist.
Strengths and Shortcomings
What Works:
- Heartfelt Performances: Especially from the nonnas and Vaughn.
- Authentic Representation: The Italian-American experience is portrayed with care.
- Culinary Visuals: Foodies will be delighted.
- Mother’s Day Timing: Released strategically, it aligns beautifully with the theme of maternal love.
Missed Opportunities:
- The drama isn’t deep enough to be profound.
- The comedy isn’t sharp enough to truly stand out.
- The nonnas’ backstories deserved more screen time.
Despite these, the film’s warm tone and sincerity make up for its narrative limitations. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s undeniably nourishing.
Streaming Details: Where to Watch Nonnas (2025)
Nonnas is available exclusively on Netflix in the United States and internationally. Watch it here.
Whether you’re cooking pasta on a Sunday afternoon or curling up with family on Mother’s Day, this film is a perfect choice for anyone who cherishes family traditions and the comfort of home-cooked meals.
Final Thoughts: A Film That Hugs You Back
Nonnas (2025) is like your favorite bowl of Sunday sauce: maybe a little predictable, but undeniably satisfying. It may not push cinematic boundaries, but it reminds us of something more important—that food, love, and memory are forever intertwined.
If you’ve ever missed someone who used to cook for you, or if you’ve longed to preserve a family recipe, Nonnas will resonate. And if you’re lucky enough to still have a nonna or grandma around, call her. Better yet, cook with her.
This film isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder.
Experience the heartfelt story of Nonnas (2025) on Netflix. Watch it here and share a meal, a memory, or a moment with someone you love.
