“Nonnas’ A Must See, Feel-Good Watch

The Netflix Original Film “Nonnas” has been on my radar for quite some time now. Since I am currently checking out a few family friendly/feel good films this month, I finally decided to check this film out and I’m glad I did!

In the Netflix Original Film “Nonnas,” after losing his beloved mother, a man risks everything to honor her by opening a new restaurant with actual nonnas - grandmothers - as the chefs.

Netflix’s “Nonnas” is a feel good film that’s a must watch for anyone looking for a family-friendly film to check out with the whole family. This feel-good film is a charming, and sometimes, emotional film that delivers some truly heart-warming moments and a lot of mouth-watering food.

The film’s story is truly touching and incredibly inspirational. Its narrative arc about healing from grief and finding a new purpose in life is also quite appealing.

This Netflix film also dives into some themes that can be very empowering, such as grief/healing and chosen family/community. Throughout the film, we see the main character, Joe, coping with the loss of his mother by opening the restaurant, which showcases a journey from sadness to joy through shared experience and food. The nonnas in the film also form a close-knit, supporting community, becoming a surrogate family for, not just each other, but also for Joe.

Speaking of nonnas becoming a supporting community for each other, there’s a really powerful and emotional scene that involves all the nonnas sharing their life stories and wisdom with each other, that can be truly moving. Throughout the course of the film, we also see how Joe ultimately finds a new purpose in life (after taking care of his elderly mother) and healing by creating the restaurant, and ultimately creating a newfound family with the nonnas.

And, also just looking at all of the Italian food that’s made throughout the film can

actually make you a tad on the hungry side!

Now, while it can be a little cliched here and there, “Nonnas” is a well-received, heart-felt film that successfully delivers on its promise of emotional and nostalgic comfort, appealing strongly to a broad audience looking for an enjoyable, feel-good watch.

MPA: Rated PG for suggestive material, language and thematic elements   (111 minutes)  (Netflix)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDJxJd3FzDY

• Although the real Enoteca Maria is still in operation in its Staten Island, New York location, filming of the restaurant actually took place at Spirito's, the now-closed world famous restaurant in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After having been open since 1932, Spiritos closed for good in 2020 and was neglected for many years. The film's art department redesigned and renovated the space inside and out before filming began.

• The real Enoteca Maria, located in Staten Island, New York was founded by the actual Jody Scaravella in 2007. Initially featuring Italian nonnas, the restaurant expanded in 2015 to include grandmothers from various cultures, offering a diverse culinary experience. Scaravella's vision was to honor his family's legacy and provide a platform for grandmothers to share their traditional recipes and stories.