Nonnas Review: Is Nonnas Worth Watching? Is ‘Nonnas’ Based On A True Story?
Netflix has served up a warm, comforting dish just in time for Mother’s Day with its new original film Nonnas. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, this charming, feel-good movie stars Vince Vaughn alongside a delightful ensemble of veteran actresses. It’s the kind of heartfelt crowd-pleaser that feels like a throwback to the sentimental comfort movies of the 80s and 90s. And honestly? It works.
What’s the Story Behind Nonnas?
The film centers on Joe (played with laid-back warmth by Vince Vaughn), a man struggling to find purpose after the death of his beloved nonna and, not long after, his mother. Lost in grief and unsure of his next step, Joe decides to channel his sadness into something new. Using his mom’s life insurance money, he opens a restaurant in Staten Island.
The catch? He doesn’t plan to do it alone. Joe recruits a team of real Italian nonnas to help him run the kitchen, starting with his mom’s longtime friend (Lorraine Bracco) and expanding through Craigslist ads to include two more (Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro). Eventually, Susan Sarandon joins the mix, adding some flair to the team as a seasoned pastry chef.
Together, these women bring tradition, heart, and a little chaos into Joe’s kitchen. What follows is a blend of family, food, healing, and purpose.
Is Nonnas Worth Watching?
Yes, especially if you’re in the mood for something tender, honest, and easy to enjoy.
Director Stephen Chbosky understands emotional pacing. While his misstep with Dear Evan Hansen might raise eyebrows, Nonnas reminds us of the strengths he showed in The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Wonder. Here, he embraces emotion without overdoing it. The film leans into sentimentality, but it never feels manipulative or forced. That’s a rare balance.
Writer Liz Maccie’s script also helps. The humor is gentle, the characters are believable, and the emotional beats feel earned. Even moments of kitchen slapstick are handled with care. You’ll laugh a little, smile often, and maybe even tear up once or twice.
What Makes the Nonna Characters So Special?
The heart of the film lies with the women in the kitchen. In an era where movies for older actresses often feel shallow or cringe-inducing, Nonnas offers something more genuine. These women aren’t reduced to stereotypes. They’re smart, funny, and full of life. A standout moment involves the four of them sharing regrets over limoncello, a quiet but powerful scene that brings unexpected depth.
Susan Sarandon, often stuck in roles that don’t challenge her, finally gets to play a character with both elegance and grit. But it’s the reunion of Talia Shire, Lorraine Bracco, and Brenda Vaccaro that feels like a real gift. These actresses haven’t had many recent chances to shine on screen, and Nonnas gives them the space to be seen, heard, and appreciated.
How Much Food Is in Nonnas?
Enough to make you hungry, though not as much as food-lovers might hope. The film teases us with just enough of the cooking process to make our mouths water, but it doesn’t quite dive deep into the culinary side. Still, the spirit of food as a way to heal and connect is ever-present.
The renovation of the restaurant and the process of building a business might feel familiar, especially if you’ve seen reality shows like Kitchen Nightmares or Chef’s Table. But here, it’s the emotional layer that makes it special. The kitchen isn’t just where meals are made. It’s where memories are revived and wounds begin to heal.
Should You Watch Nonnas?
Absolutely. Nonnas isn’t trying to reinvent anything. It’s not flashy or bold. But what it offers is something rare: sincerity. There’s no forced drama or unnecessary conflict. It’s grounded in simple truths about loss, love, tradition, and moving forward.
And while it might not become a timeless classic, it’s the kind of movie you’ll want to revisit—especially when you need a little warmth. Perfect for family movie night, ideal for Mother’s Day, and just comforting enough to fill the soul.
Nonnas is now streaming on Netflix. Pull up a chair, grab a snack, and enjoy the company.
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