Movies

Grandma’s Back? ‘Nonnas’ Movie Miracle!

BBG News

In my home, Myrtle Faye Ulmer (formerly Welch), affectionately referred to as “Nana,” played an instrumental role in shaping who I am today and held a special place in my heart. Sadly, she passed away in November 2016, leaving an emptiness that has yet to be filled. Watching the 2025 film “Nonnas” was one of the most delightful experiences of the year, but it didn’t bring her back or alleviate the pain; instead, it made me feel as if she were standing by my side.

In this fresh Netflix production featuring Vince Vaughn as a grieving New Yorker transformed into an Italian eatery where the chefs are all “Nonnas,” I found myself laughing, shedding tears, and feeling my grandmother’s spirit more intensely than ever. This journey was truly remarkable, deeply moving, and highly therapeutic. Let me share some insights…

Nana Was More Than A Grandma To My Brothers And Me, And I Still Miss Her

I’ll make an effort to keep my feelings under control, but for my siblings and me, Nana was far beyond just a grandmother. Yes, she did the wonderful things that grandmothers often do, but her role extended significantly. With a stroke leaving her with limited vision in one eye, she essentially took on the role of our nanny during school hours and summer vacations, which meant we spent an extraordinary amount of time with my grandmother compared to most of my peers.

Just as Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn) and other characters, we learned from our grandmothers, aunts, and mothers to create the delicious dishes seen in Nonnas. Nana passed down numerous life lessons to us three. She taught us how to secretly enjoy sweets during movies, how to tackle laundry (though I’m still struggling with that), how to find positivity on the gloomiest of days, and most significantly, she instilled in us a deep affection for cooking. I fondly remember those times, but I miss Nana even more.

I Saw My Nana In The Various ‘Nonnas’ With Their Humor And Resiliency

My grandmother, who embodied strength, toughness, and an abundance of love that seemed straight from the earth itself, was also incredibly witty and adaptable. Over the space of a year and a half, she endured the loss of her twin sister, her mother, a broken leg that would be a constant struggle for her, and the death of her son. Despite the overwhelming pain and hardship caused by so many tragedies happening in quick succession, my grandmother persevered and maintained an optimistic outlook on life.

While watching the beloved film “Nonnas”, I found myself recognizing Nana in the robust, humorous, and indomitable elderly women who relinquished everything to establish Enoteca Maria as a triumph. The laughter, the squabbles, the culinary mishaps, and the opportunity for a fresh start in life, they all evoked memories of my grandma. The outbursts of emotion, the fits of laughter, the exquisite dishes (swapping Italian cuisine with southern cooking in my case), these were all actions she would perform, both in the kitchen and throughout her life.

This Sounds Crazy, But I Could Feel My Grandma With Me While I Watched The Movie

Just as if a coworker was immersed in “Thelma,” I found myself deeply drawn to “Nonnas.” This connection made an already exceptional film become one of my top picks for the year. A significant part of this is because it seemed as though Nana was sitting next to me during my viewing, joining in with laughter and tears as we watched together. It felt like she was on the couch beside me, sharing the experience.

I was on the verge of detecting the aroma of her Icy-Hot, experiencing the heat from her heating pad, and listening to her rich voice discussing her admiration for Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and the whole cast. This moment felt enchanting, emotional, and indelible, and despite being reminded that my grandmother has been gone for so long, it was touching to sense her presence once more after such a long time.

Throughout The Movie, I Kept Thinking About Her Signature Dishes And The Joy Cooking Brought Her

Overcoming the temptation to raid my kitchen late at night while watching a movie full of mouthwatering Italian meals was quite a challenge, given its abundance of enticing culinary sequences – from pizzas to pasta, oxtail soup, and even capuzzelle (which surprisingly looked and sounded delightful). On top of that, the scenes in the kitchen reminded me of my grandmother’s favorite dishes and the happiness cooking brought her.

I can’t tell you how many mornings in summer found me awakening to the sounds of my grandma preparing black-eyed peas, collard greens, a dish called “rice stuff,” or butchering a chicken for fried chicken dinner that night. She would sing as she worked, whether it was gospel songs, old church hymns, “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain,” or other popular tunes. And let me tell you, her fig and muscadine jellies were something else!

Nonnas Is A Movie My Grandma Would Have Loved. I Have No Doubt About It

Nana had a deep affection for cooking, cherished moments with her family, and was thoroughly enamored with movies. Be it borrowing a VHS tape from the local library, treating us boys to a matinee during sweltering summer afternoons, or enjoying a classic film in her nursing home later on, she simply couldn’t get enough. I am certain that if she had the chance, she would have adored the show Nonnas, and I hold no doubts about it.

In a more conversational style, Everything about that movie – its warmth, its humor, its cooking scenes, and the cast – would have struck a chord with my grandmother, just as it did with me. If she were still around, I can imagine her laughing, crying, and discussing the perfect meal to cook while watching the entire film.

If you haven’t done so yet, stream “Nonnas” using your Netflix account. And if your grandmother, nana, or nonna is still around, consider giving them a call or visiting them. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

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2025-05-19 12:08

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