Premiering this fall, Nonnas is a deeply emotional, food-filled journey about grief, love, and the healing power of tradition. Directed by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Wonder), the film stars Vince Vaughn, Linda Cardellini, and Joe Manganiello, alongside an iconic quartet of Hollywood legends playing the titular “nonnas” (Italian grandmothers).
With its mouthwatering dishes, nostalgic warmth, and themes of redemption, Nonnas is poised to be one of the year’s most touching cinematic experiences. Here’s everything you need to know—including the star-studded cast, plot details, and first-look photos.
The Story: A Restaurant Where Grandmothers Rule the Kitchen
A Man Rediscovering His Roots
After losing his mother and grandmother, Joe (Vince Vaughn) feels untethered and lost. A Brooklyn-born MTA worker stuck in a dead-end job, he finds solace in his family’s old recipes—dishes that once brought his loved ones together.
Inspired by their memory, Joe uses his mother’s life insurance money to open Enoteca Maria, a Staten Island restaurant with a unique twist: its kitchen is run entirely by four Italian grandmothers (“nonnas”), each bringing recipes from their own regional traditions.
More Than Just a Restaurant
As the restaurant becomes a neighborhood sanctuary, Joe reconnects with:
- Olivia (Linda Cardellini), a childhood friend he stood up at prom years ago
- Bruno (Joe Manganiello), his loyal best friend, who knows the comfort of a home-cooked meal
- The four nonnas, whose cooking becomes a bridge between past and present
What starts as a tribute to his mother evolves into a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and community.
Meet the Cast: A Stellar Ensemble
Vince Vaughn as Joe
- Role: A grieving son who honors his mother’s memory through food
- Previously Seen In: The Break-Up, Couples Retreat, True Detective (Season 2)
- Why He’s Perfect: Vaughn balances his signature humor with rare emotional depth in this dramatic turn.
Linda Cardellini as Olivia
- Role: Joe’s old flame, reentering his life at the Italian market where they once met
- Previously Seen In: Freaks and Geeks, Dead to Me, Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Chemistry Alert: Cardellini and Vaughn share a bittersweet, nostalgic dynamic.
Joe Manganiello as Bruno
- Role: Joe’s loyal best friend, who supports his restaurant dream
- Previously Seen In: Magic Mike, True Blood, Justice League
- Scene-Stealer: Manganiello brings both muscle and heart to the role.
The Legendary Nonnas
The film’s secret ingredient? Four iconic actresses as the grandmothers who transform Joe’s life:
- Susan Sarandon as Gia
- A fiery, no-nonsense nonna from Sicily
- Best Known For: Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking
- Lorraine Bracco as Roberta
- A warm, nurturing cook from Naples
- Best Known For: The Sopranos, Goodfellas
- Talia Shire as Teresa
- A quiet, wise nonna from Tuscany
- Best Known For: The Godfather, Rocky
- Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella
- A sharp-tongued but loving nonna from Rome
- Best Known For: Midnight Cowboy, Once Is Not Enough
“These women aren’t just cooks—they’re healers,” Chbosky says. “Their food becomes a language of love.”
Behind the Scenes: A Love Letter to Italian Cuisine & Family
Director Stephen Chbosky’s Vision
Best known for coming-of-age dramas (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Chbosky shifts focus to a different kind of growing up—one about reconnecting with heritage.
“This is a story about how food ties us to our past,” he explains. “It’s about the meals that remind us who we are.”
Real-Life Inspiration
The film is loosely based on Enoteca Maria, a real Staten Island restaurant where grandmothers from around the world rotate as guest chefs.
Food as a Character
- Authentic Recipes: The dishes were crafted by real Italian nonnas to ensure accuracy.
- Mouthwatering Cinematography: Every meal is shot like a love scene.
Why This Film Will Resonate
✔ A Story for Anyone Who’s Ever Missed Home – Whether Italian or not, the film taps into universal nostalgia.
✔ Vaughn’s Best Role in Years – This could be his Chef moment (a la Jon Favreau).
✔ The Nonnas Steal the Show – Sarandon, Bracco, Shire, and Vaccaro bring humor, wisdom, and heart.
Release Details & How to Watch
Expected Release: Fall 2025
Theatrical Run: Likely a limited release before streaming
Perfect Viewing Advice: Do not watch hungry.
Final Verdict: A Feast for the Heart
Nonnas is more than a movie—it’s a hug in film form. With its stellar cast, emotional depth, and delicious food, it’s a must-watch for fans of Chef, Big Night, and Eat Pray Love.
Will Joe’s restaurant succeed? Can he make amends with Olivia? And will the nonnas approve of his cooking?
Find out when Nonnas arrives this fall.
Are you excited for Nonnas? Which nonna are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!