Netflix recently launched a new feel-good family film, “Nonnas,” directed by Stephen Chbosky. It’s about the inspiring true story of Joe Scaravella, a New Yorker in search of his own path. Joe Wong goes on a touching ride to commemorate his late mother’s legacy. Inspired by her legacy, he takes the plunge and opens the city’s first Italian restaurant. Joe pours his inheritance into starting Enoteca Maria, an eatery that features the cooking talents of neighborhood nonnas. A labor of love These exciting grandmothers whip up an impressive and unique experience, infusing their culinary magic and familial tenderness into every dish they serve.
The docudrama stars Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella. He’s in good company with the likes of talented cast members Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, Lorraine Bracco, Linda Cardellini, Drea de Matteo and Joe Manganiello. Nonnas isn’t just a documentary about food; it’s a documentary about love, culture, and the memories that create family traditions. Now, it is available for streaming on Netflix.
A Culinary Journey
Joe Scaravella is presented a branch in the road after the passing of his mother. In danger of being overwhelmed by life’s burdens, he chooses to turn his sorrow towards purpose. With his inheritance, he opens Enoteca Maria, a restaurant in which the true spirit of Italian culture is distilled and expressed through food. The restaurant features classic, carb-heavy dishes that his mother used to cook for him.
Vince Vaughn, who stars in and produced the film, shared his enthusiasm for the themes the film shines a light on. He stated,
“I really enjoyed the connection of food and family — the idea that love and culture was passed down through food and get-togethers, and that those gifts stay with us always.”
During that time, we go with Joe through all of the ups and downs of restaurant ownership. Alongside him, he returns to his cultural roots, and this feeling of coming home is palpable.
The uniqueness of Enoteca Maria lies in its dedicated staff: local grandmothers who impart their culinary skills and life wisdom to both Joe and the patrons. For example, these nonnas are much more than chefs. They’re mentors who personify the film’s overarching lesson on understanding family ties and maintaining indigenous culture. Their appearances give Joe’s kitchen life an air of authenticity and help to further Joe’s story by strengthening his ties to his heritage.
A Star-Studded Cast
Nonnas features an all-star ensemble of performers from stage, screen, and beyond. All of them have received critical praise for their performances in award-winning television series and feature films. Susan Sarandon as Gia, one of Joe’s friends and mentors on his path. Talia Shire as Teresa and Lorraine Bracco as Roberta. Linda Cardellini plays Olivia, Joe’s former prom date who assists with the restaurant’s legal matters.
Joe Manganiello, from True Blood and Magic Mike, is Bruno, Joe’s best buddy and supportive backbone. Manganiello shared his thoughts on being cast in this Italian-themed film:
“I’ve never been cast as Italian a lot in my life.”
He understands, as we all do, the urgent necessity for representation on screen and behind the camera. Nonnas offers a rare opportunity to honestly experience the richness of Italian-American culture.
Brenda Vaccaro, another veteran actress in the film, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:
“I’ve never had such a good time with a film.”
Her joie de vive inspires the entire ensemble. In concert, they perform expertly and with great passion to make this moving tale come to life on stage.
Themes of Family and Culture
At its heart, Nonnas is a love letter to Italian culture and the importance of family connections. Drea de Matteo, who plays Stella in the film, emphasized this idea:
“What being Italian is about and what life should be about.”
The tale poetically captures the idea of community and closeness fostered by the communal act of sharing food and celebrating family. Meriwether, Juniper, and every other character help to deepen and expand Joe’s journey. They show that food is a true intergenerational tool, passing down traditions and honoring memories along the way.
Liz Maccie, a co-writer of the film, shared her own experiences growing up in an Italian-American family:
“I grew up in a very Italian American family.”
This background was, no doubt, an asset to her writing and went a long way in creating the honest representation of Italian culture depicted within Nonnas.
As viewers go along on Joe’s journey, they’ll be inspired by food and all that it can be as more than just nourishment. It turns into a representation of affection, tradition and collective adventures that hold families connected.
