Nonnas

Stephen Chbosky's Nonna's is a deeply affectionate, food-forward drama inspired by a true story that proves truth can be just as nourishing as fiction. Drawing from the real-life tale of Staten Island's Enoteca Maria-a restaurant founded by Joe Scaravella after the loss of his parents and grandmother-the film tells the story of Nick (Vince Vaughn), a grieving son who honors his mother's memory by opening a restaurant staffed entirely by grandmothers. What begins as a coping mechanism quickly becomes a celebration of heritage, healing, and the flavors that connect generations.

Vince Vaughn brings surprising depth to Nick, shedding his usual fast-talking persona for a performance rooted in quiet grief and reluctant hope. His chemistry with the "nonnas"-played brilliantly by Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, and Talia Shire-is the emotional heart of the film. These women, each with their own culinary traditions and personal histories, bring warmth, humor, and a raw honesty to every kitchen scene. Watching them bicker, laugh, and bond over saucepans and rolling pins is both entertaining and deeply moving.

Chbosky directs with a gentle hand, allowing the emotional beats to rise organically while layering the story with rich sensory details: steaming plates of homemade gnocchi, weathered hands kneading dough, and handwritten recipes passed down through generations. The Staten Island setting is lovingly rendered, grounding the film in a real, working-class community that embraces the nonnas and their old-world wisdom. The true story at the film's core adds weight and authenticity, elevating what could have been a sentimental tale into something genuinely soulful.

Nonna's isn't just about food-it's about honoring the past while building something new from the ruins of loss. Like the real Enoteca Maria, it's a testament to the quiet power of grandmothers, of tradition, and of the meals that carry memory. Chbosky has crafted a film that feels like a warm kitchen in winter: filled with the aroma of garlic and the hum of voices that remind us we're not alone. It's a delicious, heartfelt tribute to the women who nourish us-body and soul.

'Nonnas' is a sweet film, from Stephen Chbosky, based on a true story about a small, family-style restaurant (Enoteca Maria) on Staten Island. It had small-film greatness lurking, but the script needed the touch of a great comedy writer, like James Brooks or even Terry Winter.

Winter would have felt right at home writing for Sopranos alums: Lorraine Bracco, Drea de Mateo and Michael Rispoli. Add to that Susan Sarandon and Talia Shire, along with lead Vince Vaughn, and you have a Hell of a cast and, of course, the real star is the Italian food!

So, the film is heartwarming and entertaining, but not as great as it could have been.

No sex and no dirty language, and guess what, no movie ever needs that. These feel-good movies are what we need more of.

Who doesn't love their nonna? It's an underdog movie. It has some humor. But it was the end that brought a feel-good tear to my eye. You couldn't help but want the restaurant to succeed for no other reason than Joe and the nonnas.

Where most cultures have the den as the place to hang out with company, but in cultures like Italian, French, and Greek, it's the kitchen. Kitchens are happy places in those cultures. They truly cook not out of necessity but love and enjoyment.

This one's worth watching.

Who? I need to know the person so I could send a big warm thanks. Its a story so worthy to tell, it's light, it's warm and it is about family. I wish the restaurant was closer to home so I could taste the flavours of it all. I loved the nonnas, loved to see Susan Sarandon shine and loved Vince! This is a must watch movie if you ever miss home.

I miss my nonna so much and this brought tears to my eyes. Not in a sad way though, it was tears remembering all the good times we had around the beautiful and joyful table she used to make for us.

I love when people make movies to make you feel good and embraced. The world needs it! I needed it!

Thank you!!!!!

The movie was a good use of two hours. Vince plays a man suffering from a loss and decides to honour the people that mattered most to him, in one of the ways they showed loved to him.

Through it we get to follow several characters and their journeys, both the main character and four elderly women finding life far more enjoyable. Through just like Vance, putting love in to their food. It sounds cheesy but it works quite well, the setbacks feel real however the one thing holding it back is the ending. While heartwarming and sweet, it also is quite abrupt. From the biggest set back to almost instant resolution. However it's not enough to hold it back from being worth watching.