In the Netflix film Nonnas, which draws inspiration from Joe Scaravella’s Staten Island restaurant, the character Joe, portrayed by Vince Vaughn, is motivated to establish a fictional rendition of Enoteca Maria following the death of his mother. He believes that creating this restaurant will serve as a means to honor her memory, encapsulating the sentiment that “food is love.” This profound connection resonated beyond the screen, particularly among Vaughn and the film’s prominent cast of nonnas, including Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, Talia Shire, and Lorraine Bracco, as well as Joe Manganiello, who takes on the role of Scaravella’s real-life best friend, alongside writer Liz Maccie and director Stephen Chbosky.
During the recent premiere of Nonnas, Maccie expressed her attraction to the film’s genuine narrative, emphasizing its heartfelt essence. She remarked, “I felt incredibly fortunate to contribute something positive to the world.” Maccie, who hails from an Italian-American family in New Jersey, related to the story, noting the significance of food in her upbringing. For her, crafting a film that celebrated the love of food, tradition, and legacy felt like a perfect opportunity.
Both Sarandon and Manganiello were drawn to the film due to its emphasis on character relationships. Sarandon pointed out the rarity of collaborating with a talented ensemble of women, stating, “The opportunity to work with so many incredible women is hard to come by.” She fondly described her love for ensemble casts and the familial theme of the film, highlighting how the cast formed a cohesive family during production. Manganiello noted several factors that piqued his interest, including his admiration for Chbosky, Vaughn, and Drea de Matteo, who plays his character’s wife. He appreciated the chance to portray an Italian character in a comedic setting and praised the “fantastic” script. Manganiello also shared that the male friendship between his character and Vaughn’s character provided a humorous exploration of male communication challenges.
The actor reminisced about the enjoyable time he and Vaughn spent with their real-life counterparts, recalling a visit to the actual Enoteca Maria where they shared a meal prepared by the nonnas. “It was an absolute blast to interact with them and learn from their experiences,” he said.
Producer Rachel Shane emphasized the significance of Netflix’s support for the film, which was completed prior to the actors’ strike in 2023. She explained that their goal was to maximize viewership, stating, “This film embodies themes of family, community, and second chances, especially for older women, making it essential viewing during these times.”
At the premiere, Bracco joyfully reunited with Chbosky and Maccie, describing their collaboration as a “lovefest.” Her character, Roberta, who is Joe’s mother’s best friend, initially struggles with the other chefs but gradually bonds with them through their shared culinary experiences. Bracco noted, “Initially, she wasn’t very enthusiastic about them, but through the kitchen and food, we eventually opened up to one another.” The film reveals that Roberta, despite having children and grandchildren, is estranged from them, making a pivotal phone call near the film’s conclusion. In contrast, Vaccaro’s character, Antonella, faces loneliness after losing her husband and seeing her family drift away, while Shire’s Teresa and Sarandon’s Gia have never had children.
Maccie explained that the portrayal of the nonnas’ distance from their grandchildren was a deliberate choice, emphasizing the theme of chosen family. “I wanted to highlight that family isn’t solely about blood relations; it includes those with whom you share meals and experiences,” she remarked. Maccie further elaborated on Vaccaro’s character’s reflection on motherhood and the pride that comes with children living their own lives, even if it means less frequent contact.
Chbosky added another layer to this theme, discussing how women, particularly those of a certain age, are often defined by their familial roles. He stated, “We aimed to shift the focus to their identities as women beyond just being mothers and grandmothers, presenting a fresh perspective.” Sarandon echoed this sentiment, lamenting the decline of grandmothers being able to spend time with grandchildren in family homes. She emphasized the importance of valuing the wisdom and traditions they pass down.
Following the filming of Nonnas and prior to its acquisition by Netflix, Sarandon made headlines for controversial remarks made at a pro-Palestinian rally. However, she continued to express her support for the Palestinian people at the premiere, wearing a pin that represented her activism. When discussing her aspirations amidst a politically charged environment in the U.S., Sarandon redirected the conversation to the Middle East, saying, “My hope is for Palestine to survive and achieve liberation.”
When addressing Sarandon’s earlier comments, Chbosky highlighted the film’s core message of mutual respect, which was evident among the cast and crew. “Our diverse opinions on politics were respected and embraced. It’s remarkable to see a libertarian like Vince and a liberal like Susan come together with mutual respect, reflecting the spirit of the film,” he noted.
The real Joe Scaravella demonstrated similar respect for both Sarandon and his loyal customers when she sought a last-minute reservation at Enoteca Maria. Chbosky recounted the moment, saying, “It was Friday, and I was busy with pre-production. When Susan’s assistant reached out for a table, Joe hesitated, not wanting to inconvenience his regulars. He called back to suggest a compromise.”
Nonnas is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
