3 Things You’ll Want to Know about the Netflix Film ‘Nonnas’ before Watching

Nonnas starts off with a flashback featuring a young Joe eagerly waiting in line outside an Italian bakery, his face beaming with joy. When the bakery doors open, he rushes to the counter to gaze at the tempting treats: crunchy cannoli, velvety tiramisu, colorful doughnuts, and the pastries his grandmother sent him for – two loaves of bread and a dozen zeppole (Italian pastries). A cheerful assistant advises him to “be good” and “say the rosary,” while the manager kindly warns him: “Now Joey, don’t eat them all before you get home.”

Walking back home through a warm and welcoming Italian neighborhood in New York City, Joe converses with friends as Rita Pavone’s 1964 hit song, “Long live the pappa with the tomato” – also featured in Pixar’s Luca – plays in the background. Upon reaching home, he observes his grandmother stirring the pasta. Seeking advice, she encourages him to infuse food with “your heart” as you cook.

The story then shifts to his mother’s funeral, where family and food continue to play a significant role. The house is filled with mourners sharing memories of his mother’s warmth, kindness, and smile. As they depart, they leave behind dishes like scungilli (prepared with conch meat) and Cassatas (sponge cake with ricotta and candied fruit).

The film captures a sense of familial support throughout. Joe’s best friend Bruno and his wife Stella make plans to dine with him later that week. When Joe faces challenges with the restaurant’s safety inspection, his MTA bus co-workers promise to cover for him. Even when the restaurant’s inspection fails, a friend steps in to facilitate a quick re-inspection.

At each moment of struggle, a friend offers a helping hand to Joe, reflecting a theme found in Scripture. Joe hires four “nonnas” from the neighborhood, initially bickering but eventually developing a strong bond and sharing favorite recipes. The film celebrates family, heritage, and the unifying power of food, showcasing the beauty of cultural diversity and echoing the biblical message of unity among all nations and languages.

“It’s not just a restaurant,” Joe clarifies to a newspaper critic. “It’s truly about family and the experience of family – especially for those who may not have family around anymore.”