Based on a true story, “Nonnas” arrives on Netflix just in time for Mother’s Day. The film is brought to us by the filmmaking duo of director Stephen Chbosky and screenwriter Liz Maccie. This is a film that pays homage to the women in our lives whose love language revolved around delicious meals that became imprinted on us for the rest of our lives.

ABOUT “NONNAS”

This dramady stars Vince Vaughn as Jody “Joe” Scaravella. At the beginning of the film, we see how special it was for him to see his grandmother and mother working in the kitchen. Which to him would seem more like making magic than cooking. Fast-forward now years later, where we find Joe stuck in a dead-end job and grieving the loss of his mother. He finds comfort in cooking his family’s old recipes, eventually leading him to the idea of opening a restaurant. But not just any restaurant, this one will honor the memory of his mother, by staffing “nonnas” or grandmothers in Italian to cook nostalgic recipes for guests.

With the help of his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello), they find a rundown restaurant that they are able to turn into the “Enoteca Maria”. The nonnas he recruits are Roberta (Lorraine Bracco), Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), Teresa (Talia Shire), and Gia (Susan Sarandon). Each of them are very distinct and territorial about their craft, to the point of even starting food fights.

Nonnas. (L-R) Susan Sarandon as Gia, Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella, Lorraine Bracco as Roberta and Talia Shire as Teresa in Nonnas. Cr. Jeong Park/Netflix © 2025.

In “Nonnas” audiences will see Joe struggle to keep the restaurant afloat while dealing with financial challenges as well as locals who do not welcome the sight of a new restaurant. Along with that, we’ll see how Joe can rekindle the sense of family with these nonnas, as well as give them a newfound purpose in running a restaurant.

WHAT WORKS IN NONNAS

Foremost, the chemistry in “Nonnas” is amazing. The three actresses who portray the grandmothers do a great job of being relatable to the women in our lives who seem to always want to feed us. Their banter is a lot of fun, and they complement Vaughn’s character very well, who in the film does a great job at balancing comedy with someone down on their luck, desperate to make a family connection.

Nonnas. (L-R) Lorraine Bracco as Roberta, Talia Shire as Teresa, Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella and Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella in Nonnas. Cr. Jeong Park/Netflix © 2025.

One of the things that we are all able to relate to in the film is the sights and sounds of our loved ones cooking. Chbosky does a great job at capturing those moments that at many points throughout the film will leave your tummies grumbling for Italian food. In a sense, the cooking and food almost serve as another character in the film. One that represents love, affection, and connection.

WHAT DOESN’T WORK

After setting up the groundwork of the plot, I do feel like the pacing gets a little slow for me before we get to the restaurant struggling to get open and stay open. Also there are several other subplots in the film that deal with his best friend, his job, and a love interest that make it a little too busy at times. “Nonnas is at its best when its focusing on the nonnas and the growth of their friendship with one another.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Overall, “Nonnas” is a great film to watch this Mother’s Day weekend and beyond. It’s an easy film that you can enjoy with the entire family and maybe get inspired to jump into the kitchen with your loved ones to make your family’s favorite dishes. While I love to see Vaughn in his typical comedic roles, I also enjoy it when he can take a step back and play a more emotional character.