Stephen Chbosky's new film, "Nonnas", is a charming tale that resonates with the comforting familiarity of home-cooked meals and the power of strong community ties. It tells the story of Joey Scaravella, a man of middle age who embarks on a spontaneous journey into the world of restaurant ownership. Portrayed with genuine sincerity by Vince Vaughn, Joey is unversed in the demanding world of entrepreneurship but is determined to make his mark.

The film highlights an ensemble of accomplished actors, including Lorraine Bracco, Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vacarro, who play the roles of four grandmothers joining Joey in his unique culinary venture. Chbosky without exaggeration honors the grace, experience, and sophistication of women in their 70s and 80s, steering clear of cliched comedic undertones.

The narrative draws inspiration from the real-life story of Enoteca Maria, a restaurant where grandmothers, not professional chefs, were employed to bring traditional, homemade Italian dishes to the table.

40 years after the death of his mother, Joey finds solace in recreating familial recipes from memory. His journey takes him to the Staten Island farmers’ market, a frequent spot for his mother and grandmother, where he stumbles upon an old restaurant for sale. With the help of his inheritance, Joey purchases the restaurant, launching his new culinary venture.

The movie captures the quintessential spirit of Italian-American New York, focusing on the strong bonds forged around food. Convincingly portraying the hurdles that Joey encounters, it also captures the essence of his unyielding ambition to establish an Italian restaurant whose kitchen would be presided over by grandmothers.

In "Nonnas", Chbosky has delivered an appealing, relatable, and emotionally rich tale that reverberates with the echoes of home, nostalgia, the art of culinary traditions, and most importantly, community. Despite a few predictable plot points and some resolutions that feel slightly rushed, the movie offers a heartwarming experience that invites viewers to sit back and savor the story with as much comfort and pleasure as a home-cooked Italian feast.