Netflix’s “Nonnas” Serves Up Laughter, Tears, and Unforgettable Grandmothers

Heartwarming new comedy celebrates Italian grandmothers, family, and second chances, with a powerhouse cast led by Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, and Talia Shire.

New York, N.Y. — Nonnas, Netflix’s latest feel-good comedy, is a love letter to family, food, and the indomitable spirit of Italian grandmothers. With an ensemble cast featuring Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and the legendary Susan Sarandon, the film blends humor and heartache in equal measure, inviting audiences to laugh, cry, and crave a second helping.

A Recipe for Comfort: The Story Behind “Nonnas”

Inspired by the true story of Joe Scaravella, Nonnas follows Joe (played by Vince Vaughn), a New Yorker grieving his mother’s passing. Searching for purpose, he opens a restaurant unlike any other—staffed by local Italian grandmothers, or “nonnas,” each bringing cherished family recipes and a lifetime of experience to the kitchen. These nonnas become the soul of the restaurant, serving not just food but wisdom, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Joe’s journey is grounded by his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello), a loyal contractor who helps transform a rundown space into a culinary haven. Their friendship, rooted in real-life camaraderie, adds authenticity and warmth to the film’s core. The dynamic is further enriched by Bruno’s wife, whose presence brings additional layers of humor and heart.

Brenda Vaccaro: A Nonna Who Refuses to Fade Away

Brenda Vaccaro shines as Antonella, a spirited grandmother who boldly leaves her nursing home to “live again.”

Vaccaro, born in Brooklyn to Italian-American parents, boasts an extraordinary career spanning over fifty years, highlighted by an Academy Award nomination, multiple Golden Globe and Emmy wins, and a Tony-nominated Broadway legacy.

Her portrayal of Antonella is both hilarious and deeply poignant—a vibrant woman reclaiming her independence and zest for life, inspiring viewers with her courage and infectious optimism.

Vaccaro’s performance radiates warmth and authenticity, reminding audiences that it’s never too late for a new beginning or to rediscover the joys of living. Her Antonella is not just a character, but a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Lorraine Bracco: Bringing Depth and Wit

Lorraine Bracco stars as Roberta, a sharp-tongued nonna with a heart of gold. Bracco, best known for her iconic roles in Goodfellas and The Sopranos, brings her trademark wit and emotional depth to the role, infusing Roberta with a complexity that is both authentic and deeply moving.

Bracco’s career has been defined by her ability to portray strong, layered women, and her work in Nonnas is no exception. She draws on decades of experience in film and television, channeling the resilience and humor that have made her a household name.

Her performance is a masterclass in balancing comedy and vulnerability.

Roberta is fiercely independent, quick to challenge those around her, yet Bracco ensures the audience never loses sight of the tenderness beneath the bravado.

Talia Shire: Breaking Barriers with Compassion

Talia Shire plays Teresa, a former nun who courageously leaves the convent to embrace her identity as a lesbian.

Shire, celebrated for her Oscar-nominated roles in The Godfather and Rocky, delivers a nuanced and deeply empathetic performance that transcends stereotype and expectation.

Shire’s portrayal of Teresa is marked by a quiet strength and gentle humor, capturing the complexity of a woman who has spent much of her life in service to others, only to realize that her truest calling is to live authentically.

With subtle gestures and expressive emotion, Shire brings Teresa’s journey of self-discovery to life, making her both relatable and inspiring, offering audiences a rare and moving depiction of late-life self-discovery and acceptance in mainstream cinema.

Susan Sarandon: The Final Ingredient

Susan Sarandon rounds out the cast as the film’s most enigmatic and captivating character, infusing Nonnas with a presence that is impossible to ignore.

With an illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Sarandon has become synonymous with excellence and versatility in cinema. Her Academy Award-winning performance in Dead Man Walking is just one highlight in a filmography filled with bold, unforgettable roles that have earned her acclaim across generations.

In Nonnas, Sarandon’s character is a revelation—she brings a magnetic gravitas and a well of unexpected wisdom that elevates every scene she inhabits. Sarandon’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability in equal measure makes her character both a commanding anchor and a source of comfort for the ensemble.

What truly sets Sarandon apart in this film is her effortless chemistry with the other cast members. She navigates the complexities of her role with grace, delivering lines that are at once sharp and deeply moving. Every gesture, every glance, is imbued with meaning, drawing viewers into her character’s world and making them care deeply about her journey.

The Men Who Support the Magic

Vince Vaughn leads the film as Joe, whose vision and determination bring the nonnas together and set the story in motion.

Vaughn’s signature comedic timing and emotional honesty make him the perfect anchor for the ensemble, grounding the film with both humor and genuine feeling.

His portrayal of Joe is filled with warmth and relatability, allowing audiences to connect with his journey as he builds a new family from unexpected places.

Joe Manganiello, as Bruno, delivers both laughs and heartfelt moments, his real-life friendship with Vaughn translating into palpable on-screen chemistry that enhances every scene they share.

Manganiello brings a blend of charm and sincerity to Bruno, making him a steadfast friend and an essential part of the restaurant’s success. Their dynamic adds depth and authenticity to the film’s exploration of friendship and loyalty.

More Than Just Comfort Food

Nonnas has been embraced by critics and audiences alike, earning praise for its warmth, inclusivity, and celebration of tradition. Rotten Tomatoes notes that the film “provides heaping helpings of comfort” and is “sweet, cheesy and abundant in empty calories”—but in the best possible way. 

What elevates Nonnas above similar fare is its refusal to reduce its characters to caricatures;
instead, each nonna is fully realized, with her own dreams, regrets, and triumphs.

The film’s depiction of Italian-American culture is affectionate but never patronizing, using humor to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of community.

The food, lovingly shot and mouthwateringly described, is almost a character in itself—reminding viewers that every meal carries a story.

Why Nonnas Matters Now

In an era when stories about older women are still rare, Nonnas stands out for its unapologetic celebration of age, diversity, and second chances.

The film’s grandmothers are not just comic relief or cultural touchstones; they are the heart and soul of the narrative, reminding us that wisdom, love, and laughter only grow richer with time.

Netflix’s “Nonnas” Serves Up Laughter, Tears, and Unforgettable Grandmothers (July 3, 2025)

75-Word Audio Summary

Netflix’s “Nonnas” is a heartwarming comedy about a grieving son who opens a restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers, each with a story to tell. Starring Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Susan Sarandon, the film blends humor and emotion, celebrating family, tradition, and second chances. With standout performances and mouthwatering food, “Nonnas” is a cinematic feast that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish the power of community.

#NetflixNonnas #ItalianGrandmothers #FeelGoodFilm #SusanSarandon #TaliaShire
#BrendaVaccaro #LorraineBracco #FamilyComedy #FoodAndFilm #SecondChances

Tags: nonnas, netflix, italian grandmothers, susan sarandon, brenda vaccaro, lorraine bracco, talia shire,
vince vaughn, joe manganiello, comedy film, food, family, lgbtq, aging, friendship, restaurant, new york

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