Cast: Vince Vaughn, Lorraine Bracco, Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Linda Cardellini, Joe Manganiello, Drea de Matteo, Michael Rispoli, Campbell Scott
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Rating: 3/5
Runtime: 111 m
‘Nonnas’ is based on a true story, that of Jody “Joe” Scaravella, who grew up in Brooklyn and opened a restaurant ‘Enoteca Maria’ in Staten Island with legitimate Italian grandmothers as chefs. These grandmothers brought their family recipes to the kitchen and served them to customers re-creating a unique and authentic experience.
The man at the center of Nonnas, Nick (Vince Vaughn) who recently lost his beloved mother, decides to put all the money he has, and some borrowed as well, into a business venture that tries to replicate the experience of a rewarding family meal.
The idea takes shape when friends and family offer him condolences and food to help him through the mourning process. Nick, in an effort to keep his fond memories of his mother alive, tries to replicate the food his grandmother and mother used to cook.
The idea of the restaurant comes from that experiment. Nick enlists his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) to renovate the place as a favor, and hires Italian grandmothers willing to work and share their family traditions with the public. He also convinces his mother`s best friend Roberta (Lorraine Bracco), former nun Teresa (Talia Shire), local hairdresser Gia (Susan Sarandon), and Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro) to join the cooking staff.
This is a sincere attempt at feel-good family fare. The way the story is told we want this plan to work out—for the sake of Joe, his friends, and
the nonnas in the kitchen, who have goals of their own to accomplish.
Director Stephen Chbosky’s film with Liz Maccie`s screenplay, is relatable because it chases a dream of recreating family get-togethers in a commercial space. It’s a tough ask for someone who hasn’t been in the business but odds even out eventually and Joe’s dream becomes a success.
Chbosky allows the emotion to seep in organically. The narrative is also layered with food presented with rich sensory detail. The Staten Island setting is authentic and helps lend the filmed experience a validity that draws you in and holds you entranced.
Nonna’s is about taking forward a legacy and tradition that carries memories that we cherish. The screenplay focuses on characters, their relationships, and conflicts.The film is warm-hearted and engaging and the characters are rooted in nostalgia. Vince Vaughn’s performance is nuanced with grief. Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, and Talia Shire bring legacy, warmth, and honesty to every scene. They help make the experience entertaining and deeply affecting.
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