Netflix Unveils 'Nonnas': A Heartwarming Homage to Cherished Family Cooking Traditions
The Magic of Food and Family in "Nonnas"
Ah, the sweet memories of childhood, and undoubtedly food played a significant role in those recollections. Be it family recipes we still savor today or gathering with loved ones over feasts, food has this remarkable ability to bind us together like nothing else, even across the miles and generations. And that's precisely what the upcoming film "Nonnas" celebrates in every single scene.
Loosely based on the real-life Enoteca Maria on New York City's Staten Island, "Nonnas" stars Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella, a man grappling with the loss of his mother and grandmother. He finds solace in preparing the Italian dishes they cherished, even if he stumbles sometimes on the secret ingredients. In an attempt to honor their legacies, Joe decides to open a restaurant, assembling a team of local matriarchs—our titular "nonnas," the Italian term for grandmothers—as chefs.
Joe's path to success isn't without bumps, but the movie revels in every milestone, filling the screen with mouthwatering images of tomatoes, pasta, and sauces that are bound to make you crave a plateful of spaghetti carbonara.
"Nonnas" writer Liz Maccie embarked on this project after losing her mother a decade ago, describing the movie as an "incredible love letter to my family." It's not just about family, though; it's also about newfound families, mourning, tradition, and laughter in ample supply.
"Liz really wrote it from the heart, and that came through on the page," shares actress Lorraine Bracco, who plays one of the nonnas in the film. "And that was special. That was very, very moving. I laughed and I cried when I read it."
9 Healthy Italian Recipes without Skimping on FlavorThe familial vibe resonated with the cast.
"I called it my Jimmy Stewart movie because it was so loving," notes actress Brenda Vaccaro, who plays yet another nonna and chef.
Meanwhile, for actor Joe Manganiello, who portrays Vaughn's friend, the Italian focus struck a chord with his family memories.
"I had very fond memories of my Sicilian grandmother," he muses. "This experience made me remember her often."
24 Timeless and Scrumptious Classic Italian RecipesExperience "Nonnas" yourself, and you'll likely find yourself reminiscing about your family and the recipes they've passed down to you. Let's hope the film inspires you to preserve those culinary treasures for future generations.
As a testament to mothers, grandmothers, time-honored cookery, and delicious Italian food, "Nonnas" boasts something for everyone. With a May 9th release date just before Mother's Day, it's the ideal film to watch with your mom, grandma, or the whole family. Just make sure to have a good meal before hitting play!
Joining Vaughn, Manganiello, Bracco, and Vaccaro on the silver screen are Susan Sarandon, Linda Cardellini, Talia Shire, and Drea de Matteo. "Nonnas" becomes available on Netflix starting May 9.
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Sources:[1] Higgins, L. (n.d.). 'Nonnas' trailer offers comedy, Italian food, and a heartfelt tribute to grandmothers. CNET. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/nonnas-trailer-comedic-tribute-to-italian-g grandmothers-gets-netflix-release-date/
[2] Scavuzzo, M. (2023). Movie review: Nonnas on Netflix. Paste Magazine. Retrieved from https://paste.com/movies/2023/05/movie-review-nonnas-on-netflix-2023-05
[3] Walker, A.R. (2023, April 30). 'Nonnas' Trailer Premiere Reveals Netflix Comedy Movie Inspired by True Story About an Italian Restaurant Staffed by Grandmothers. Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved from https://showbizcheatsheet.com/movies/new arriving/nonnas-trailer-premiere-netflix-comedy-movie-inspired-by-true-story-about-an-italian-restaurant-staffed-by-grandmothers/
- The upcoming film "Nonnas" on Netflix, starring Brenda, Lorraine Bracco, Joe Manganiello, Susan Sarandon, Linda Cardellini, Talia Shire, and Drea de Matteo, celebrates family recipes and grandmothers as chefs, following a man who opens an Italian restaurant.
- Liz Maccie, the writer of the film, was inspired to create "Nonnas" after losing her mother and describes it as an "incredible love letter" to her family and Italian food.
- The film showcases a variety of Italian recipes cooked by the nonnas, such as spaghetti carbonara, which will make viewers crave a satisfying meal.
- Actor Joe Manganiello, who plays a friend of the main character in "Nonnas," found the Italian focus of the movie especially meaningful, as it brought back memories of his Sicilian grandmother.
- The familial vibe of the movie resonated with the cast, with actress Brenda Vaccaro referring to it as her "Jimmy Stewart movie" due to its warmth and love.
