Vince Vaughn and Nonnas Serve Up a Feast of Laughter, Love, and Family in Heartfelt Comedy “Nonnas”
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, but in “Nonnas”, Stephen Chbosky’s delightful comedy, it does so with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of heart, and a whole lot of delicious Italian flair.
“Nonnas” Premise
Set in a Staten Island restaurant, “Nonnas” follows Joe (Vince Vaughn), a man who, after losing his mother and grandmother, opens an Italian eatery that only serves food prepared by grandmothers—each hailing from different regions of Italy. The twist? The food is not just about tradition—it’s a source of healing, laughter, and personal rediscovery.
At the heart of the restaurant are the four “nonnas” (grandmothers)—Roberta (Lorraine Bracco), Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), Teresa (Talia Shire), and Gia (Susan Sarandon)—each with her own rich history and colorful personality. As Joe attempts to rebuild his life, these grandmothers bring both a wealth of culinary wisdom and a whole lot of comedic chaos to the table.
Joe’s journey is made all the more entertaining by his childhood friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) and Olivia (Linda Cardellini), a former high school acquaintance who’s now living in Staten Island. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of the restaurant world, proving that sometimes the best way to heal isn’t just with great food—it’s with the people you care about.
“Nonnas”: A Recipe for Laughter and Healing
While “Nonnas” is filled with belly laughs, it’s also a heartfelt exploration of how food can act as a bridge between generations, cultures, and even personal grief. After losing both his mother and grandmother, Joe decides to honor their memory by opening Enoteca Maria, a restaurant that serves dishes passed down through generations. With his mom’s insurance money, a little help from his friends, and a whole lot of passion, Joe creates a place that’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a hub for community and a place to reconnect with the past.
Joe isn’t the only one rediscovering the power of food. Olivia, a first-year law student, reconnects with Joe at an Italian market, years after a memorable prom night disaster. As she becomes an integral part of the team, recruiting Antonella to join the restaurant, Olivia reminds everyone that it’s never too late to start over—especially when you’re surrounded by the love and comfort of a home-cooked meal.
The nonnas, too, each find their own paths to healing and hilarity. Roberta, a proud Sicilian, is the first to join the team. Her no-nonsense attitude and stubbornness in the kitchen clash with Antonella’s Bolognian roots, creating a comedic rivalry that keeps the restaurant lively and fun. Meanwhile, Teresa, the quiet and reserved former nun, has a hidden romantic history that she slowly unravels with the help of her fellow nonnas.
Then there’s Gia, the final nonna to join the team, who brings her expertise in pastries and a refreshing perspective on aging and beauty. Gia not only serves up delectable desserts, but she also inspires the other nonnas to embrace their inner reinvention.
“Nonnas” Cast
“Nonnas” is a true ensemble piece, and the cast delivers big laughs from start to finish. Vince Vaughn brings his trademark humor and heart to Joe, making his journey of healing feel both funny and relatable. Linda Cardellini’s Olivia is both charming and supportive, helping Joe navigate the legal side of things while also reminding him of the importance of friendship and second chances.
Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, Talia Shire, and Susan Sarandon are absolute comedic treasures as the four nonnas. Their chemistry is undeniable, and each one brings something uniquely hilarious to the table. Whether it’s Roberta’s loud opinions on Sicilian cooking, Antonella’s fiery spirit, or Teresa’s hidden past, these grandmothers steal every scene they’re in.
Joe Manganiello provides solid comic relief as Bruno, Joe’s best friend who supports him despite his skepticism about running a restaurant. Drea de Matteo’s Stella, Bruno’s wife, adds another layer of humor with her no-nonsense attitude and helpful suggestions for improving the restaurant’s design.
Food, Family, and a Whole Lot of Fun
At its core, “Nonnas” is about more than just cooking—it’s about the joy of sharing a meal with those you love, and the transformative power of food to heal, connect, and create new memories. As Lorraine Bracco (who plays Roberta) puts it, “I’m not the greatest cook in the world, but I do love to eat. I do appreciate what it takes to make a great plate of food.” Her words capture the heart of the film: food is not just a meal, but a celebration of love, laughter, and shared experiences.
Liz Maccie, the writer of the film, adds a personal touch to the culinary elements of the movie, explaining, “We took things from the menu of the actual restaurant to bring to life.” This attention to detail helps bring the flavors and personalities of the real Enoteca Maria restaurant into the heart of the film, grounding the comedy in authenticity.
“Nonnas”: Releases May 9
“Nonnas” is a delightful comedy that will leave you laughing, hungry, and reminded of the power of family. With its all-star cast, mouthwatering dishes, and a healthy dose of humor, Nonnas is the perfect feel-good movie to stream with friends or family. It’s a celebration of love, loss, and the unforgettable experience of sharing a great meal with the people who matter most.
Get ready to laugh and indulge when “Nonnas” premieres on Netflix on May 9. Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of comedy, or simply looking for a movie with a big heart, “Nonnas” has something for everyone.
More On:Movies