‘Nonnas’ Serves Sentiment, But Leaves Flavor Behind
Netflix’s Nonnas blends emotional nostalgia with a culinary twist, but despite Vince Vaughn’s charm and a legendary cast, the film lacks the flavor of a standout food drama.
‘Nonnas’ Serves Sentiment, But Leaves Flavor Behind
Netflix’s Nonnas arrives with all the ingredients for a heartwarming hit — an A-list cast, a feel-good premise, and the universal comfort of Italian food. Yet somehow, this new comedy-drama directed by The Perks of Being a Wallflower’s Stephen Chbosky feels more like reheated leftovers than a fresh cinematic feast.
Starring Vince Vaughn as Joey, a middle-aged man drifting through life after the loss of his mother, Nonnas is a sentimental tale of grief, second chances, and rediscovery through cooking. Joey impulsively pours his inheritance into a crumbling New Jersey property with a dream of turning it into an Italian eatery. The twist? He hires a brigade of Italian grandmothers — the titular nonnas — to run the kitchen.
Vince Vaughn Leads a Recipe of Familiar Tropes
Joey’s life, marinated in regret and inertia, finds new purpose as he builds this community-centric restaurant with the help of his best friend, Bruno (Joe Manganiello). The premise is charming on paper and loaded with potential. But Chbosky’s direction leans heavily on formula, tracing every emotional beat with the predictability of a Hallmark card.
Vaughn, known for his rapid-fire wit, plays it unusually subdued here — a creative risk that only partially pays off. His portrayal of Joey is tender, yes, but also emotionally muted. Unlike Jon Favreau’s Chef or the dynamic energy of The Bear, Nonnas rarely surprises. It’s warm, but too safe — like a bowl of overcooked pasta missing the salt.
Legendary Cast, Lightly Seasoned Roles
The true stars of Nonnas are the grandmothers, played by a powerhouse ensemble: Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, Lorraine Bracco, and Brenda Vaccaro. Each brings warmth and gravitas to the screen, yet their characters feel more like seasoning than substance — colorful, aromatic, but never fully explored.
Their backstories are hinted at, their talents praised, but we don’t get to truly taste their lives. Compare this to the emotional depth of Big Night, where food told stories, or Ratatouille, where flavors triggered memory. In Nonnas, the food is mostly background noise — an aesthetic rather than a narrative vehicle.
A Familiar Flavor from Across the Globe
Interestingly, Nonnas mirrors the storyline of the 2003 Bollywood hit Kal Ho Naa Ho, where Shah Rukh Khan’s character helps women launch a restaurant in New York. The parallels — from entrepreneurial hope to emotional healing through food — are striking. Susan Sarandon’s pastry chef even echoes Lillete Dubey’s character from the Indian film. But while Kal Ho Naa Ho blends comedy, tragedy, and romance with precision, Nonnas sticks to a single emotional note and plays it throughout.
The Food’s Not the Star — And That’s a Missed Opportunity
For a film centered around an Italian kitchen, the lack of culinary focus is surprising. Signature dishes like cannolis and capuzzelles are mentioned but rarely showcased. There’s no sizzle, no steam, no montage that makes you hungry. A cameo by Big Night co-director Campbell Scott, playing a late-arriving food critic, is a sweet nod — but too little, too late.
The missed chance to visually celebrate the cuisine is one of the film’s greatest letdowns. In food films, visuals matter — they engage our senses and deepen the emotional stakes. Here, the dishes are described more than shown, leaving viewers unfulfilled.
Who Is This Movie Really For?
Nonnas might resonate most with middle-aged viewers navigating personal loss or life transitions. It echoes the comfort and second-chance optimism of films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel or Julie & Julia. But unlike those stories, which sparkle with energy and discovery, Nonnas often settles for surface-level sentiment.
Its heart is in the right place — celebrating aging women, community, and tradition — but the execution feels undercooked. Joey’s journey of redemption unfolds too conveniently. Obstacles arise, but are quickly brushed aside by plot contrivance rather than genuine struggle.
Final Thoughts: A Warm Dish That Needed More Heat
Nonnas isn’t a bad movie — it’s just a forgettable one. It offers emotional comfort without ever challenging the palate. Vince Vaughn gives a respectable, if subdued, performance, and the grandmothers bring charm to every scene. But in the world of food-centric cinema, where audiences expect flavor, flair, and feeling, Nonnas delivers only one out of the three.
For those seeking a cozy, uncomplicated watch, Nonnas may offer just enough heart. But for viewers hoping for the next great food film, this one falls short of a full course.
Disclaimer: This article is a reimagined review based on existing published content for editorial and journalistic purposes. All opinions are synthesized for a broader audience and do not reflect personal reviews.
source : Indian express