Stephen Chbosky’s “Nonnas” is one of those rare films that wears its heart proudly on its sleeve — and it’s all the better for it. Anchored by a warm, deeply human performance from Vince Vaughn, this charming dramedy serves up a heaping plate of nostalgia, comfort food, and emotional resonance. It’s a feel-good film that goes beyond clichés, offering a touching meditation on grief, legacy, and the power of community.
The story centers on Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn), a single MTA worker in South Brooklyn who is grappling with the recent loss of his mother. Joe’s life has come unmoored, but rather than spiraling into despair, he finds inspiration in the Sunday dinners of his childhood — gatherings filled with laughter, food, and love. In an ambitious, borderline reckless leap of faith, he invests his entire inheritance into opening an Italian restaurant on Staten Island. The twist? Every cook in the kitchen will be a real-life Italian grandmother — a nonna.
From the outset, Nonnas sets a heartfelt tone. Joe isn’t just chasing a dream; he’s honoring a memory, trying to preserve the warmth of his mother’s legacy by replicating it in his restaurant. As he searches for the right grandmothers to bring his vision to life, he stumbles upon a cast of spirited, strong-willed, and deeply human women — each with her own story, scars, and signature dish.
What follows is a delightful journey full of unexpected turns. There are comical culture clashes, moving confessions, and moments of friction, especially as Joe tries to win over a tight-knit neighborhood he’s not from. The film doesn’t shy away from the challenges of building a business from scratch, nor from the societal dismissiveness toward older women. But Nonnas flips that narrative on its head, reminding viewers that wisdom, warmth, and vitality don’t have an expiration date.
Vaughn is wonderfully understated in the lead role. Gone are the swaggering characters of his earlier career; instead, he brings humility, heart, and a quiet resilience to Joe. His chemistry with the ensemble of nonnas — many of whom feel refreshingly un-Hollywood — is sincere and often hilarious.
Chbosky, best known for “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Wonder,” directs with his usual empathy and attentiveness. He balances lighthearted moments with emotional heft, crafting a tone that’s accessible for families but rich enough for adult viewers. Though he’s said the film is a love letter to his wife, who penned the screenplay, it also reads as a love letter to the Italian-American community. Much like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” did for Greek culture, Nonnas celebrates the quirks, traditions, and enduring bonds that define a people — Catholic faith, boisterous dinners, and all.
On a backdrop of community and spirituality, the faith elements are subtle but significant. A few scenes — including a moment of answered prayer — offer quiet testimony to the strength that belief can offer in times of upheaval. It’s one more layer in a film that never forgets the importance of heart. One character experiences has a crisis of faith stemming from a relationship that put her at odds with the church, but ultimately comes back to the church.
Nonnas isn’t a high-stakes drama or a sweeping romance. It’s something better: a simple, soulful film that reminds us of the beauty in ordinary lives, the healing power of food, and the families — biological or chosen — that carry us through. It may be light in tone, with a few PG-rated moments of conflict, but its emotional authenticity is unmistakable. You’ll smile, maybe tear up, and almost certainly leave the theater craving a plate of homemade pasta and the comfort of familiar company.
“Nonnas,” directed by Stephen Chbosky and written by Liz Maccie and starring Vince Vaughn, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Joe Manganiello, Drea de Matteo, Campbell Scott, Michael Rispoli, with Linda Cardellini and Susan Sarandon is now streaming on Netflix.
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