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'Nonnas': Netflix Film Celebrates Grandmothers, Food, and Family with All-Star Cast

1 days ago

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Executive Summary

  • Netflix released 'Nonnas,' a heartfelt comedy film starring Vince Vaughn and a cast of veteran actresses as Italian grandmothers running a restaurant.
  • The film, directed by Stephen Chbosky, is based on the true story of Enoteca Maria, a restaurant in Staten Island.
  • Reviews are mixed, with some praising the film's heartwarming nature and the performances of the cast, while others criticize its reliance on clichés and predictable plot.

Event Overview

'Nonnas' is a comedy film directed by Stephen Chbosky and released by Netflix. The film stars Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella, a Brooklyn MTA worker who opens an Italian restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers (nonnas) after the death of his mother. The cast includes Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, Talia Shire, and Susan Sarandon as the nonnas. The movie follows Joe's journey to honor his mother and nonna by creating a restaurant reminiscent of the family meals he cherished. The film is based on the true story of Enoteca Maria, a restaurant in Staten Island.

Media Coverage Comparison

Source Key Angle / Focus Unique Details Mentioned Tone
The New York Times (Cast Interview) Interview with the actresses playing the nonnas, discussing their roles, cooking skills, and experiences working together. Mentions Bracco playing a brash Sicilian named Roberta, Vaccaro as Antonella, Sarandon as Gia, and Shire as a former nun. Highlights the actresses' combined nine Oscar nominations. Conversational and anecdotal
The New York Times (Review) Critical review of the film, highlighting its reliance on clichés and predictable plot. Criticizes the film's script, soundtrack, and Vince Vaughn's performance. Notes the thin characterizations and lack of chemistry between characters. Critical and satirical
Deadline Positive review emphasizing the film's heartwarming nature and strong performances. Highlights the true story basis, Vaughn's sincere performance, and the charm of the veteran cast. Mentions the restaurant's real-life success and the film's potential to make viewers hungry. Positive and enthusiastic

Key Details & Data Points

  • What: 'Nonnas' is a Netflix film about Joe Scaravella opening a restaurant called Enoteca Maria in Staten Island, staffed by Italian grandmothers (nonnas) to honor his late mother.
  • Who: Key individuals include: Vince Vaughn (Joe Scaravella), Lorraine Bracco (Roberta), Brenda Vaccaro (Antonella), Talia Shire (Teresa), Susan Sarandon (Gia), Stephen Chbosky (Director), Liz Maccie (Writer), and Jody Scaravella (the real-life person the story is based on).
  • When: The film was released on Netflix in May 9, 2025. The real-life restaurant has been thriving for 15 years.
  • Where: The film is set in Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York, specifically at the Enoteca Maria restaurant.

Key Statistics:

  • Key statistic 1: 1 hour 51 minutes (Running time of the film)
  • Key statistic 2: Nine (Number of Oscar nominations among the actresses playing the nonnas)
  • Key statistic 3: 15 years (How long the real-life Enoteca Maria has been thriving)

Analysis & Context

'Nonnas' presents a familiar feel-good narrative centered around family, food, and honoring one's heritage. The film's strength lies in its casting of veteran actresses who bring charm and experience to their roles. However, reviews suggest that the film may fall into predictable tropes and rely heavily on sentimentality. The contrasting perspectives highlight the subjective nature of film criticism, with some appreciating the heartwarming story while others find it clichéd. The fact that the film is based on a true story adds another layer of interest, making the restaurant's real-life success a satisfying conclusion. Despite the mixed reviews, the film's focus on grandmothers and Italian cuisine is likely to resonate with a broad audience, especially around Mother's Day.

Notable Quotes

"This is my Jimmy Stewart movie."
— Brenda Vaccaro (The New York Times (Cast Interview))

Conclusion

'Nonnas' is a Netflix film that offers a heartwarming story about family, food, and the pursuit of a dream. While critical reception is mixed, the film's focus on Italian grandmothers and its basis in a true story provide a compelling narrative. The performances of the veteran cast are a highlight, and the film's celebration of Italian cuisine is likely to appeal to a wide audience. The success of the real-life Enoteca Maria suggests that the film's themes of family and tradition resonate beyond the screen.

Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI system that synthesizes information from multiple news sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and objectivity, reporting nuances, potential biases, or errors from original sources may be reflected. The information presented here is for informational purposes and should be verified with primary sources, especially for critical decisions.