NETFLIX COMEDY 'CINEMATIC EQUIVALENT OF COMFORT FOOD' WITH FEELGOOD TRUE STORY

Netflix's 2025 biographical comedy-drama, Nonnas, is receiving accolades from every direction. Helmed by Stephen Chbosky and with a script by Liz Maccie, the film tells the true story of Jody 'Joe' Scaravella and the real-life events that inspired him to open his Staten Island restaurant, Enoteca Maria.

The dramedy, which stars Vince Vaughn as Scaravella, charts the journey of the Italian-American Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) worker who becomes a restaurateur. After the loss of his mother, he gambles everything to launch a New York City restaurant in her memory. The unique twist? He decides to hire actual grandmothers, or nonnas in Italian, as chefs to prepare family recipes handed down through generations.

To this day, Scaravella's eatery features a changing roster of nonnas from across the globe, each week cooking their cherished dishes and sharing their diverse cuisines, reports the Mirror US. Boasting an impressive supporting cast including Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Linda Cardellini, Brenda Vaccaro, Talia Shire, and Joe Manganiello, Nonnas has earned an 82 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score alongside a slew of positive critiques.

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One critic exclaimed: "Nonnas is mouth-watering entertainment," while another hailed it as "a flat out feel good movie". Another reviewer commented: "Such a pleasant well-made movie that will make you hungry while you watch it." And another described the Chbosky-directed film as: "A warm, wise and wonderful delight that will nourish your heart, mind and soul. It's the cinematic equivalent of comfort food."

In a chat with ScreenRant, Vince Vaughn shared his personal connection to the film, saying: "I was raised with my granny in the house with me, and so I really loved that this was a real place and a true story. I'd never heard of the restaurant, but Joe created a place where he brought Italian grandmothers to be the cooks to make the recipes that were their family, recipes that they used to feed their family and to celebrate life. I thought that was such an interesting idea and such a great send-up to these ladies and this culture."

The film has resonated deeply with viewers, capturing the essence of family ties. One viewer expressed their emotional response: "As an Italian man that grew up in the kitchen with my nonna and mother this movie had me bawling in the first 10 minutes because I can't cook with them anymore. To watch this movie hit me especially hard because I wish I had their recipes to have that taste of home and the warmth that comes with it. Either way, fantastic movie I fully recommend."

Another review from a touched audience member read: "Absolutely heartwarming. Nonnas is a beautiful celebration of love, family, and tradition with amazing performances that feel completely genuine. I haven't seen a movie this touching since Steel Magnolias. A true gem, a must see!".

Another viewer was left craving a bite after the film's 1 hour 51 minutes: "Made me hungry. Heartwarming movie that isn't overly sentimental. Vince Vaughn is the stable center."

Meanwhile, an enthusiast shared: "I watched this on a whim and was totally sucked in. In this nasty crazy world we currently live in, a get in you in all the feels movie is just what the doctor ordered. Great cast, moving story, now if they could just figure out how to add smell to a television this movie would have us all on our way to Staten Island. Spend 2 hours with the Nonnas, you won't regret it."

Nonnas is available to stream on Netflix

2025-07-08T09:00:49Z