3 Things You'll Want to Know about the Netflix Film 'Nonnas' before Watching
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By Michael Foust, Movies
1. It’s a Joyful Tribute to Grandmas, Family and Culture
Nonnas opens with a flashback scene of a young Joe standing patiently in line outside an Italian bakery, his face grinning from ear to ear. Once the doors open, he sprints to the counter and eyes the mouth-watering treats: crispy cannoli, creamy tiramisu, colorful doughnuts and -- of course -- the pastries his nonna sent him there for: two loaves of bread and a dozen zeppole (Italian pastries). A smiling assistant tells him to “be good” and “say the rosary” before the manager kindly warns him: “Now Joey, don’t eat them all before you get home.”
As Joe walks home through a warm and friendly New York City Italian neighborhood, he chats with friends as Rita Pavone’s 1964 classic song, Viva La Pappa Col Pomodoro -- also heard in Pixar’s Luca -- plays in the background. Once inside, he watches his nonna stir the pasta. (Asked for advice, she tells him to fill food with “your heart” as you cook.)
The film soon flashes forward to his mom’s funeral, but even then, family and food fill the air. His mother’s home is packed with well-wishers who share with him memories -- her warmth, her kindness, her smile. As they pour out of the house, they leave behind food: scungilli (a dish made with conch meat) and cassatas (sponge cake layered with ricotta and candied fruit).
This pick-up-your-brother family atmosphere fills the film. His best friend Bruno, and Bruno’s wife Stella, promise to eat with him later that week. After Joe opens the restaurant, his co-workers at his second job -- the MTA bus -- pledge to cover for him. When his restaurant fails a safety inspection -- the final step needed to open -- another friend steps in to help, arranging a quick follow-up inspection.
Each time Joe seems on the brink of failure, a friend is always there to lend a hand. It mirrors a truth found in Scripture.
Joe hires four “nonnas” from the neighborhood, who initially argue over everything under the sun, including their home regions -- “I spit on Bologna!” “I spit on Sicily!” -- but soon come together and develop a natural chemistry that’s irresistible. They also swap their favorite recipes, including one -- capuzzelle -- that is anything but ordinary, with a sheep’s head stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs and cheese. Another makes oxtail soup. A third works on her beloved pasta sauce.
The film is a celebration of family, heritage and the enduring power of food -- woven together with the beauty of cultural diversity, echoing the biblical vision of every nation and tongue coming together.
“It’s not a restaurant,” Joe explains to a newspaper reviewer. “It’s really more about family, and experiencing family -- especially for people who may not have family anymore.”
Photo Credit: ©Netflix
2. It’s Based on a True Story
Nonnas is based on a true story about a restaurant of the same name in Staten Island, founded by Jody Scaravella in 2007 after the loss of his mother and grandmother. As the credits roll, we see photos of Scaravella and other employees smiling and laughing, just as the movie depicts.
Scaravella launched the restaurant as a heartfelt tribute to their memory and the meals that once filled his family’s kitchen. As in the movie, Scaravella began inviting Italian grandmothers from the neighborhood to cook regional dishes from their childhoods. Over time, the idea expanded, and Scaravella welcomed grandmothers of all ethnic backgrounds, who now contribute to a one-of-a-kind dining experience where heritage is served with every plate. Although the restaurant’s official name remains Enoteca Maria, it’s sometimes called “Nonnas of the World.”
“Call ahead for reservations,” we’re reminded during the credits.
Photo Credit: ©Netflix
3. It’s a Comedy Filled with Faith, But…
Nonnas shines in its comedy -- and (mostly) in its portrayal of faith.
One grandmother scolds Joe for listing an ad in the “list of Craig” -- that’s Craigslist -- saying instead she should have taken out a notice in the newspaper. Another grandmother reminds him she can only work for a short while -- after all, afternoon poker is at 3 p.m.
It’s not a faith-based film, even though religion is given a positive portrayal. We watch families pray. We see statues of Jesus and Mary. In one poignant moment, a former nun bows her head in prayer, pleading with God for a miracle -- only to hear a knock at the door seconds later, bringing an unexpected answer.
Director Stephen Chbosky (Wonder) masterfully weaves a heartfelt story of family and culture, blending humor with the emotional weight of losing a loved one.
The film, though, isn’t fully family-friendly. It contains a smattering of coarse language -- some of it strong (see below). It includes suggestive conversation among the grandmothers, particularly related to breasts, as one of the nonnas -- played by Susan Sarandon -- tends to dress a bit provocatively. (Clearplay and VidAngel offer filters.) We also learn that the ex-nun once had a crush on another woman. (“Nothing happened. It was a sin. I left the convent. It’s not easy to live in a world that rejects what you are.”) We also watch the nonnas drink, a few of them to intoxication.
Despite those hiccups, though, there’s still plenty to like in Nonnas. It’s one of the best new films on the platform.
Rated PG for suggestive material, language and thematic elements. Coarse language: GD (1), d--n (4), h-ll (6), misuse of “God” (3), misuse of “Christ” (1), OMG (2), a-- (1).
Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Family-friendly rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Discussion Questions for Families:
- What does the film teach us about the beauty of cultural diversity -- and how does that reflect the beauty of God?
- What does the film teach us about family, tragedy and brotherly love?
- How did hospitality shape the community in Nonnas?
- How can we show hospitality in our own lives?
Photo Credit: ©Netflix
