Nonnas (2025) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Nonnas takes place primarily in Brooklyn and Staten Island, two boroughs of New York City. Brooklyn serves as the starting point for Joe's journey into his family's cooking traditions, while Staten Island provides a nostalgic backdrop with local outdoor markets and abandoned spaces that inspire his dream of opening the restaurant.

• movie setting
• brooklyn
• staten island
• new york
• locations

The story alternates between a flashback from 40 years ago and the present day. This blend of timelines showcases how past memories and family traditions influence Joe's current life decisions, particularly his choice to honor his mother's memory by opening the restaurant.

• time period
• flashbacks
• present day
• 40 years ago
• timeline

The central theme of Nonnas is family legacy, focusing on the cherished memories and recipes passed down through generations. The film emphasizes the emotional connections tied to family and food, as Joe's journey to honor his mother's legacy through the restaurant showcases the importance of keeping traditions alive.

• family legacy
• traditions
• recipes
• generations
• theme

Nonnas explores resilience through the various challenges Joe faces in reopening the restaurant, from kitchen fires to community skepticism. The story highlights how the characters support one another through setbacks, demonstrating their determination to overcome adversity for the sake of connection and legacy.

• resilience
• challenges
• setbacks
• community
• determination

Nonnas addresses grief and healing by showing characters navigating their loss while finding comfort through community and shared experiences. The film depicts how bonds formed through shared culinary memories can bring solace, with Joe processing his mother's death by channeling his grief into a positive, community-building endeavor.

• grief
• healing
• loss
• community
• comfort

Bruno, played by Joe Manganiello, is Joe Scaravella's steadfast best friend who provides unwavering support throughout the restaurant journey. He embodies loyalty and encouragement, helping to instill confidence in Joe by taking on the physical challenges of remodeling the restaurant space.

• bruno
• joe mangariello
• best friend
• loyalty
• support

Teresa, played by Talia Shire, is a former nun who offers a unique perspective on life and prayer throughout the film. Her character symbolizes hope and belief in miracles, showcasing the complexities of personal choices and faith as she supports her friends through their challenges.

• teresa
• talia shore
• former nun
• faith
• hope

Gia, played by Susan Sarandon, is a lively hairdresser who is part of Joe's extended family circle. She brings lightheartedness and a sense of tradition to the group, acting as a bridge between the past and present struggles through her desserts and cheerful personality.

• gia
• susan sarandon
• hairdresser
• tradition
• lightheartedness

Stella, played by Drea de Matteo, is Bruno's supportive wife who encourages Joe to take risks and pursue his dreams. Her practicality and love for cooking create a nurturing atmosphere, making her a vital part of Joe's support system throughout the restaurant journey.

• stella
• drea de matteo
• bruno's wife
• supportive
• cooking

The restaurant in Nonnas features a group of local grandmothers (nonas) as the chefs, creating a unique concept where traditional Italian recipes are preserved and celebrated. After losing his mother, Joe risks everything to honor her memory by opening this restaurant, bringing together elder women who pass down their culinary wisdom.

• nonas
• grandmothers
• restaurant
• chefs
• italian food

Yes, Nonnas is primarily a hopeful comedy with a gentle, character-driven nature. While it deals with the subject of loss and grief, the film channels these emotions into a positive, community-building endeavor. The humor arises from the interactions of the colorful nonnas, and the story culminates in a definitively happy ending.

• comedy
• feel-good
• tone
• hopeful
• lighthearted