Netflix really knew what it was doing when it dropped Nonas just in time for Mother's Day. Seriously? It's the ideal choice for the holiday. But before you press play, here's a very strong recommendation: have snacks prepared. Or perhaps a full meal. Because this movie? It made me starve. Like, second breakfast starving. More on that later.
And if you're the type of person who equates a good movie with the comfort of a home-cooked meal, then believe me—you're in for a treat.
The Story Behind Nonas
Starring Vince Vaughn and directed by Stephen Chbosky—yes, The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky. It's the based-on-a-true-story tale of Joe Scaravella, who, following the loss of his dear mother, opens a restaurant in her honor. But the twist: he employs real-life grandmothers—nonnas—to cook.
The movie takes inspiration from Staten Island's very own Enoteca Maria restaurant. The concept? Combine family recipes, tales, and warmth shared through generations, and serve them with a helping of healing and comfort.
I adore films that take their lead from true events, particularly those that pay homage to something so intimate—such as the memory of a loved one. That's what Nonas does. Joe doesn't aspire to own a great restaurant—himself, he wants to carry on his mother's love. And for that matter, who among us hasn't attempted to cling to the person we love through the small rituals they left behind?
Grief, Healing & Grandma's Recipes
What I truly loved about Nonas is its heart. It's not merely a matter of opening a restaurant. It's about respecting family, finding meaning in grief, and creating something lovely in the midst of loss.
Joe is not only trying to preserve his mother's memory—he's attempting to build a place that is home. And what feels more "home" than a grandmother's kitchen? The nonnas in the movie are not only people—they're representatives of tradition, of resilience, of second chances. They contribute depth and heart to the narrative, revealing how food has the ability to unite people in the kindest of ways.
Grandmas don't cook with recipes and measuring cups, they cook with love. A dash of this, a scoop of that—and somehow, it always tastes just right. That sort of cooking, the kind that is intuitive and full of love, is the heart of this movie.
One of the scenes that lingered in my mind was when Joe observes in silence one of the nonnas stir-frying a sauce exactly as his mother had done. There are no words, but you sense the lump in his throat—and in yours.
Watch This Hungry—You've Been Warned
Watch This Hungry—You've Been Warned
Let me say it again a little louder for those in the back: do not see this movie on an empty stomach. Every single dish they presented had me salivating. And it wasn't all about the food—it was about the sensation it gave you.
The kitchen scenes were filmed so tenderly that they reminded me of my own grandmothers—their food, their laughter, their kitchens. It's not many films that can get both your emotions and your appetite going this way.
From immaculately browned meatballs to flour-dusted handmade pasta, every shot in that kitchen was a food-lover's love letter. And I anyway LOVE pasta so seeing it being cooked so well made me want a bowl bad. The cinematography plays wonders here. There's steam, there's texture, there's the clatter of ladles against pans—and all of it feels so real and inviting
Warm Performances
Warm Performances
Although I wasn't really familiar with all the actors before entering the movie, I have to say—they really helped bring their characters to life. Everyone was believable and real, like individuals you'd find in a quaint neighborhood diner. The relationship between the lead character and the nonnas was sincere and authentic, and the way they all engaged with one another made the film that much more poignant.
The grandmothers, in especial, were a pleasure to behold. Each contributed her own personality and personality to the screen, and it really felt as though I was seeing actual people, not just actors performing characters. That unforced quality truly helped make the film's themes of family, love, and do-overs believable. And, too, the lighthearted repartee between two of the nonnas—Roberta and Antonella—provided a nice little dose of humor to the narrative.
There's something so endearing about older women who don't mince words—and this movie absorbs that in its entirety. Roberta and Antonella snark at each other like sisters and laugh like old friends, and the moments between them added a level of lightness to the movie that it absolutely needed.
Even Joe's character seemed rooted in a very human manner. Vince Vaughn didn't portray him as some over-the-top caricature of mourning, but as a guy who was just attempting to get his life going again and who couldn't quite let go yet. That level of vulnerability is not common—and welcome.
What Could've Been Better?
What Could've Been Better?
Alright, let's get real. While I adored the movie, there were a few things I wished were otherwise:
Pacing: Some sections slow a bit. Not enough to take me out of the story, but still detectable. Some transitions were a little sluggish, particularly in the middle section. I caught myself looking at the clock once or twice.
Humor: It's sold as a comedy, and while there are some comedic moments (particularly due to the nonnas), I felt it was more serious than it was meant to be comedic. A few laughs more wouldn't have hurt.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Nonas is what I would define as cinematic comfort food. It's warm, slightly cheesy (in the best possible way), and makes you feel good. It's about love, legacy, and the healing and unifying power of food.
Is it flawless? No. Is it worth your time—particularly on Mother's Day? Absolutely. It's the sort of film that makes you feel all misty and hungry for pasta. Watch it with your mom. Your grandma. Both. I guarantee they'll enjoy it as much as you will.
And truthfully, even if you see it by yourself, you won't actually be alone. That's the magic of Nonas. It envelops you like a hand-knit shawl and reminds you of the easy, mighty ways human beings express love—through food, recollection, and being present.
If you've already watched Nonas, I'd love to know what you thought. Did it make you cry? Laugh? Long for lasagna? Leave a comment below and let's discuss! ????