Inspired by real events, the comedy drama “Grandmothers” premiered this Friday, May 9, on Netflix. The film tells the story of Joe Scaravella, a New Yorker who paid tribute to his mother by founding the restaurant Enoteca Maria, in Staten Island, New York. The place stands out for employing grandmothers from different cultures to prepare traditional dishes.
Directed by Stephen Chbosky (Wonder) and starring Vince Vaughn, the film has an experienced cast. Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro play the “nonnas”, the Italian term for grandmothers, who star in the kitchen and the plot.
It is worth remembering that the four main actresses of “Nonna” have Italian ancestry.
Watch the official trailer in Portuguese:
In the plot, Joe is a mechanic from Brooklyn who, after losing his mother, channels his grief into an unusual project: bringing together Italian grandmothers to create a restaurant where food is cooked with affection and tradition. The initiative results in a multicultural, welcoming and emotionally transformative space.
Cooking and affection as a legacy
Although it follows the formula of a drama “feel-good”, the film stands out for its emotional authenticity and respect for Italian culture. The dialogues are frank and the relationships are built naturally. The loss of loved ones, the value of memory and the power of cooking as an expression of identity are the pillars of the narrative.
The protagonist, played by Vaughn in a measured and sensitive performance, tries to keep his family's legacy alive. In one of the most symbolic moments, one of the nonnas says: "Mourning has no deadline, so why should we have one?"
The four grandmothers stand out for their on-screen chemistry. Between funny discussions and moving life stories, they form a moving and nuanced core. The film skillfully balances humor, pain and tenderness.
Nonnas on Netflix: Recipes, memory and reconnection
The scenes in the kitchen reinforce the link between tradition and affection. Filmed with warm lighting and attention to detail, they highlight that each dish carries memories and feelings. More than just a comedy about food, Grandmas, on Netflix, celebrates the wisdom and presence of grandmothers in everyday life.
In addition to the family nucleus, the film presents a romantic arc with Olivia (Linda Cardellini), built on reconciliation and personal growth. Joe Manganiello, as Joe's best friend, adds lightness and loyalty to the plot.
Grandmothers proposes a reflection on what we leave as a legacy and how pain can transform into encounters and new families. With a duration of about two hours, the work moves without resorting to sentimentality, and shows that the true secret ingredient is love.
Real Grandmothers
Of the four main actresses in Grandmothers, all have Italian ancestry. See the origin of each one:
Brenda vaccaro: have Italian ancestry. Her father, Mario Vaccaro, was Italian. The family immigrated to the United States, and she grew up immersed in elements of Italian-American culture.
Susan Sarandon: have Italian origin on mother's side, who was descended from immigrants from Sicily. His baptismal surname is Tomalin (on his father's side, of English, Irish and Welsh descent).
Lorraine Bracco: is daughter of an Italian father (of Sicilian origin) and an English mother. Bracco grew up in an environment strongly linked to Italian-American culture, which influenced many of his roles, such as in the series Soprano Family.
Thalia Shire: born Talia Rose CoppolaIs Italian on both sides of the familyShe is the sister of director Francis Ford Coppola and the aunt of Nicolas Cage, all of whom are of Italian descent. Her lineage is Neapolitan on her father's side.
