Review - Nonnas, Netflix’s New #2 Movie – Is It Worth Watching?

Nonnas is an American dramedy that premiered on May 9, 2025, on Netflix. It was directed by Stephen Chbosky and written by Liz Maccie.

Inspired by a true story, the film stars Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, Joe Manganiello, and Linda Cardellini.

Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn) feels adrift after the death of his mother. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories, he decides to open an Italian restaurant in her honor. The twist? The kitchen is staffed by a group of delightful "nonnas" (Italian grandmothers), each bringing their own recipes and vibrant personalities.

Nonnas was inspired by the real-life story of Jody “Joe” Scaravella, a New Yorker who, after enduring multiple family losses, decided to change his life by opening a restaurant run by Italian grandmothers.

Joe didn’t just lose his mother, as depicted in the film, but also his grandparents, sister, and father within a short period. These tragedies led him to buy a storefront on Staten Island and channel his grief into something meaningful.

The restaurant, founded in 2007 and named Enoteca Maria—just like in the film—is renowned for its warm, traditional cuisine. All the chefs are elderly women who bring a deep sense of culture and love to the food.

Initially, all the nonnas were Italian, but over time, the concept expanded to include grandmothers from various cultural backgrounds, each contributing a piece of their heritage to the menu.

Enoteca Maria is still operating in the same location today, drawing customers from all over the world. Reservations are required, and the restaurant accepts cash only. It also offers cooking classes taught by the nonnas.

As with many film or TV adaptations, certain elements had to be modified or added to better suit the narrative. Some characters were softened, others invented, and certain events dramatized.

Nonnas is no exception. The film introduces Olivia (played by Linda Cardellini) as Joe’s romantic partner, though in real life he met his wife under different circumstances. The challenges Joe faces while opening the restaurant—such as red tape and neighborhood tensions—were also heightened for dramatic effect.

Nonnas isn’t the kind of film I’d usually pick out from the Netflix catalog on a whim. But after a recommendation, I gave it a shot—and honestly, I loved it, especially knowing it’s based on a true story.

The first act is captivating, portraying Joe as a child bonding with his grandmother and mother through the tradition of home cooking. His mother’s death from cancer and his ensuing sense of purposelessness are deeply affecting.

His turning point—risking everything by investing what little money he has into a barely-formed dream—is both bold and inspiring. The film follows his emotional and financial gamble, showing how his life could either unravel or find new meaning through this venture.

The movie reminds us that sometimes we have to take risks to build the life we want. It drew me in scene by scene with its touching, beautifully told true story.

The film received strong approval from both critics and audiences, even though it’s not the kind of movie that usually grabs mainstream attention—and it’s currently Netflix’s #2 film!

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% approval from 51 critic reviews and 75% from over 250 audience reviews.

IMDb: 7.0/10 from 9,400 ratings.

Letterboxd: 3.2/5 stars from 23,000 reviews.

The film touches on grief, family bonds, and preserving cultural heritage. It makes you laugh and cry. By diving into the lives and backstories of each character, it invites reflection on life’s meaning and the power of community.

Nonnas is a warm, meaningful presence in a sea of formulaic content—it’s tender, uplifting, and genuinely worth your time. If you enjoy real-life stories of resilience, strong performances, and heartfelt cinematography, this film will win you over. Until next time!