Released on Netflix on May 9, 2025, Nonnas is a delightful comedy-drama that has quietly stormed to the top of Netflix’s U.S. charts, hitting No. 1 during Mother’s Day weekend despite minimal promotion. Directed by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Wonder) and written by Liz Maccie, this feel-good film stars Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella, a grieving son who opens an Italian restaurant staffed by grandmothers—or “nonnas”—to honor his late mother. Featuring a powerhouse cast including Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Linda Cardellini, and Joe Manganiello, Nonnas boasts an 82% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and resonates with audiences for its heartfelt celebration of family, food, and heritage. Inspired by the real-life Enoteca Maria restaurant in Staten Island, this under-the-radar gem is a must-watch for anyone craving warmth and laughter. Here’s why Nonnas deserves your attention.

A Heartfelt and Hilarious Premise

Nonnas follows Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn), a Brooklyn MTA worker reeling from the death of his mother, Maria, and his nonna years earlier. Struggling with grief, Joe finds solace in their cherished family recipes, like the elusive “Sunday gravy.” Inspired by a visit to a Staten Island market where he reconnects with his high school crush, Olivia (Linda Cardellini), Joe uses his mother’s life insurance money to buy a rundown restaurant. His bold vision: open Enoteca Maria, staffed entirely by Italian nonnas, each bringing authentic regional recipes and vibrant personalities to the kitchen. With help from his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) and Bruno’s wife, Stella (Drea de Matteo), Joe recruits four nonnas—Roberta (Lorraine Bracco), Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), Teresa (Talia Shire), and Gia (Susan Sarandon)—to create a space that feels like home.

The premise, based on the real Enoteca Maria founded by Joe Scaravella in 2007, is both quirky and deeply moving, blending underdog ambition with a love letter to Italian-American culture. While some critics note its predictable beats (ScreenRant), the film’s sincerity and focus on intergenerational bonds make it universally relatable, especially for those who associate food with family. X posts call it a “perfect Mother’s Day watch” (@madindanidien), capturing its appeal as a cozy, nostalgic escape.

Warm Visuals and Culinary Charm

Stephen Chbosky’s direction infuses Nonnas with a warm, nostalgic glow, shot across New Jersey locations like Jersey City and Hoboken to recreate Staten Island’s close-knit vibe (Wikipedia). The restaurant set, with its rustic tables and steaming pasta dishes, is a visual love letter to Italian cuisine, making viewers hungry (The Guardian). Cinematographer Bret Eckelberry captures the chaos and joy of the nonnas’ kitchen, where bickering over Sicilian versus Tuscan recipes becomes a comedic highlight. Marcelo Zarvos’ score complements the film’s emotional beats, evoking 1980s and 1990s family comedies like Big Night (Roger Ebert).

While some X users note the film leans on Italian stereotypes (@felixcinema), the food itself—capuzzelle, cannoli, and Sunday gravy—is filmed with reverence, celebrating cultural heritage without caricature (High on Films). A kitchen fire sparked by Roberta’s lamb head dish adds slapstick humor, though critics argue the resolution feels formulaic (MovieMeter). On Netflix’s high-definition platform, the vibrant visuals and cozy sets make Nonnas a feast for the eyes, perfect for a family movie night.

Stellar Cast and Emotional Depth

Vince Vaughn delivers a surprisingly tender performance as Joe, shedding his comedic bravado for a nuanced portrayal of grief and hope (Hollywood Reporter). His chemistry with the nonnas—Lorraine Bracco’s fiery Roberta, Susan Sarandon’s confident Gia, Talia Shire’s gentle Teresa, and Brenda Vaccaro’s mourning Antonella—is the film’s heart, with their banter and bonding stealing scenes (Netflix Tudum). Linda Cardellini’s Olivia adds warmth and a subtle romantic arc, while Joe Manganiello’s Bruno and Drea de Matteo’s Stella bring loyalty and humor as Joe’s chosen family (Box Office Hype).

The nonnas, played by veteran actresses, shine brightest, embodying the strength and quirks of Italian grandmothers. Bracco and Vaccaro’s regional rivalries are “laugh-out-loud” funny (ScreenRant), while Shire’s ex-nun Teresa adds quiet depth, her backstory of leaving the convent for love resonating with themes of second chances (Common Sense Media). Critics note Vaughn’s comedic timing feels subdued (ScreenRant), but his emotional scenes, like discovering his mother’s recipe envelope, hit hard (Ashley Hajimirsadeghi). The ensemble’s authenticity makes Nonnas a love letter to matriarchs and community (Deadline).

A Quiet Hit with Universal Appeal

Despite limited marketing, Nonnas’s No. 1 Netflix ranking in the U.S. during Mother’s Day weekend reflects its universal appeal (Wikipedia). Its 82% Rotten Tomatoes score praises its “heaping helpings of comfort” and charm, though some call it “cliche” or overly sentimental (Rotten Tomatoes, Ashley Hajimirsadeghi). X fans rave about its “heartwarming” story and “perfect” cast (@Hun_derrated, @ultratrailers), with one user giving it an 8.5/10 for making them “miss mom and grandma” (@madindanidien). The film’s PG rating and 1-hour-51-minute runtime make it family-friendly, though mild language, drinking (wine, limoncello), and grief themes may require parental guidance (Common Sense Media).

Inspired by Enoteca Maria’s real success—still thriving after 15 years with nonnas from around the world (Roger Ebert)—the film taps into nostalgia for family meals and cultural roots. Its release timing and themes of healing through food make it a perfect fit for 2025’s craving for feel-good stories, even if it doesn’t reinvent the genre (MovieMeter).

Why You Should Watch

Nonnas is a warm, funny, and heartfelt ode to family, food, and second chances that’s quietly taken Netflix by storm. Vince Vaughn’s sincere performance, paired with the radiant nonnas—Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro—creates a cozy, crowd-pleasing comedy that feels like a hug from your grandma. Though it leans on familiar beats, its celebration of Italian-American heritage and the power of shared meals resonates deeply, especially for anyone missing their own “nonna.” Stream Nonnas on Netflix now, gather your loved ones, and savor this deliciously comforting tale—you’ll leave hungry for pasta and family time.