Nonnas

In the heartwarming film 'Nonnas', Vince Vaughn takes on the role of Joe Scaravella, a devoted son who is faced with the daunting challenge of coping with the loss of his beloved mother. In his quest to keep her memory alive, Joe embarks on an ambitious and sentimental journey to open an Italian restaurant that not only celebrates his family’s culinary heritage but also pays tribute to the grandmothers or 'nonas' who have shaped his life with their cooking. This profound loss serves as the catalyst for Joe's transformation, pushing him to create a space that embodies love, tradition, and the flavors of his childhood.

The narrative unfolds as Joe brings together a talented group of nonnas, each with their own rich history and unique recipes, to craft an authentic Italian dining experience. Lorraine Bracco shines as Roberta, one of the nonnas who becomes pivotal to the restaurant’s success, imparting her wisdom and culinary secrets. Through her character, the film highlights the intergenerational bonds formed through food and the comforting rituals that accompany it. As Joe navigates the ups and downs of opening the restaurant, he finds himself not only preserving his mother’s legacy but also forging new connections and understanding about family, love, and heritage.

'Nonnas' beautifully intertwines themes of grief, resilience, and tradition, offering audiences a heartfelt glimpse into the magic that food can create. The film is peppered with humorous and touching moments that exemplify the chaos of running a restaurant while aiming to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons. As Joe learns to embrace the cherished memories of his past and the new memories being created with his team of nonnas, 'Nonnas' stands as a tribute to family, culture, and the enduring spirit of those we hold dear.

Main Cast of Nonnas

In the movie "Nonnas," Vince Vaughn delivers a standout performance as Joe Scaravella, a devoted grandson and restaurant owner juggling the demands of his Italian family and the challenges of keeping his business afloat. Vaughn brings his signature charm and wit to the role, infusing Joe with a relatable warmth and an endearing sense of humor that resonates with audiences. His portrayal of Joe's struggle to honor his family's legacy while navigating the modern world highlights Vaughn's ability to balance comedic timing with heartfelt emotion. As Joe, Vaughn embodies the essence of a man caught between tradition and progress, showcasing his range as an actor by conveying the character's internal conflicts with authenticity and depth. His interactions with the titular "nonnas" (grandmothers) in the film are particularly delightful, as he captures the tender dynamics of a multigenerational Italian family with both respect and hilarity, making his performance as Joe Scaravella a memorable addition to his repertoire of diverse and engaging characters.

In the movie 'Nonnas,' Lorraine Bracco delivers a performance that is both heartwarming and authentic as Roberta, one of the central characters in this tale of intergenerational bonding and Italian-American family dynamics. Bracco, known for her robust screen presence and dynamic acting range, brings a sense of depth and complexity to Roberta, infusing her with a mix of tough love, maternal warmth, and a sharp-witted humor that resonates with audiences. Her portrayal captures the essence of a woman who is fiercely protective of her family's traditions and values, while also navigating the nuances of her relationship with her granddaughter. Bracco's performance is a testament to her ability to convey the resilience and vibrancy of a character who serves as the backbone of her family, embodying the spirit of 'nonna' with both grace and gusto. Her interactions with the younger cast members are particularly poignant, highlighting the generational ties that bind families together, and her scenes are among the film's most emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Talia Shire delivers a performance of warmth and maternal gravitas as Teresa in the film "Nonnas," a role that showcases her profound ability to convey the complex layers of a woman whose life is steeped in tradition and unconditional love. As the matriarch of an Italian-American family, Shire's Teresa is the embodiment of wisdom and resilience, serving as the emotional cornerstone that holds her beloved family together. Her portrayal is nuanced; she seamlessly transitions from the jovial head of the household, delighting in the joy of her grandchildren, to a figure of stoic strength facing the challenges that come with the generational gap and the evolution of cultural values. Shire's Teresa is a testament to her prowess as an actor, as she brings authenticity and depth to the screen, allowing audiences to feel the intensity of her love, the sting of her struggles, and the unyielding spirit of a character that rings true for anyone who understands the power of familial bonds.

Susan Sarandon delivers a captivating performance in the movie 'Nonnas' as Gia, a character that showcases her remarkable range and depth as an actress. As the matriarch of an Italian-American family, Sarandon's portrayal of Gia is both commanding and nuanced, capturing the essence of a woman who is fiercely protective of her loved ones while grappling with the complexities of her own past. Her ability to convey the subtle interplay of strength and vulnerability brings a rich authenticity to the role, allowing audiences to empathize with Gia's struggles and cheer for her triumphs. Sarandon's performance is a testament to her talent for embodying characters with such depth that they resonate long after the credits roll, making 'Nonnas' a film that is as much about the journey of its characters as it is about the stories they tell.

Linda Cardellini delivers a deeply nuanced and heartfelt performance as Olivia in the movie 'Nonnas,' a role that showcases her versatility and emotional range. As a character grappling with the complexities of family, legacy, and the passage of time, Cardellini brings a sense of authenticity and warmth to the screen. Her portrayal of Olivia is both tender and resilient, capturing the essence of a woman who is deeply connected to her roots while navigating the contemporary challenges of motherhood and personal identity. Cardellini's chemistry with her co-stars, particularly in the scenes with the elder generation of actresses playing the roles of 'nonnas' or grandmothers, is compelling and adds a layer of richness to the narrative. Her ability to convey the unspoken bonds and conflicts that exist within a multigenerational family setting is a testament to her skill as an actor. Linda's performance is not just a depiction of a character, but a celebration of the strength and vulnerability inherent in every woman who must balance the demands of family, culture, and self.

In the heartwarming comedy "Nonnas," Brenda Vaccaro delivers a standout performance as Antonella, a character that embodies the essence of Italian-American grandmotherhood with warmth, wit, and a touch of stubbornness. Vaccaro's portrayal is both endearing and hilarious, as she navigates the intricacies of family dynamics and cultural traditions with a seasoned grace. Her Antonella is the quintessential matriarch—a woman whose love for her family is as strong as her opinions on how things should be done, especially in the kitchen. Whether she's proudly passing down secret family recipes or orchestrating a family gathering with the precision of a maestro, Vaccaro's performance is a testament to her ability to infuse Antonella with authenticity and depth. Her interactions with the younger cast members sparkle with intergenerational humor, and her moments of vulnerability reveal the tender heart beating beneath the character's feisty exterior. Brenda Vaccaro's Antonella is not just a character; she is a celebration of the spirit and resilience of maternal figures in Italian-American culture, making her performance one of the film's most memorable and endearing elements.

Secondary Cast of Nonnas

Tom Johnson

Vendor

Robert John Gallagher

The cousin from Philly

Jack Casey

Young Bruno

Liz Weinstein

Chair Yoga Instructor

Theodore Helm

Young Joe

Crew of Nonnas