Streaming movie fans are in for a treat this May 2025, as a delightful array of new films hits platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon's Prime Video, Peacock, and Max. Among these, the heartwarming comedy "Nonnas," starring Vince Vaughn, stands out as a perfect choice for Mother's Day weekend.
Directed by Stephen Chbosky, "Nonnas" tells the true story of Joe Scaravella, a late thirtysomething New Yorker who, after the death of his beloved mother, uses the proceeds from her life insurance policy to open a restaurant in her honor. The film captures the essence of family and the culinary traditions of Italian grandmothers, affectionately dubbed "nonnas." With a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes, it is rated PG for suggestive material, language, and thematic elements.
Joe Scaravella, played by Vaughn, embodies a man grappling with grief and searching for purpose. After caring for his terminally ill mother, he finds himself aimlessly working for New York's transit authority, feeling unfulfilled. His friend Bruno, portrayed by Joe Manganiello, encourages him to honor his mother’s memory in a meaningful way. This prompts Joe to purchase a vacant restaurant on Staten Island, transforming it into a culinary haven where nonnas share their cherished recipes.
Among the nonnas are Aunt Roberta, played by Lorraine Bracco; neighborhood matriarch Antonella, portrayed by Brenda Vaccaro; family friend Gia, played by Susan Sarandon; and Teresa, played by Talia Shire. Each character brings their unique flavor to the film, both literally and figuratively, as they bond over cooking and family traditions.
As Joe navigates the challenges of opening the restaurant, he faces resistance from the community, where he is viewed as an outsider despite their shared Italian heritage. The film explores themes of belonging and connection, as Joe yearns for the familial warmth he once experienced during large Italian dinners.
In addition to "Nonnas," several other notable films are available for streaming this month. For instance, "Adult Best Friends," an indie comedy, features two childhood best friends whose relationship is tested when one gets engaged. This film can be found on Max.
Another exciting release is "Another Simple Favor," a sequel to the dark comedy mystery that sees Anna Kendrick reprising her role as crime-solving mommy vlogger Stephanie. The film, filled with shenanigans involving Italian mob families, is available on Prime Video.
"Black Bag," directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a must-see whodunit spy thriller featuring Michael Fassbender as a British intelligence officer on a mission to uncover a traitor within. This gripping tale is available on Peacock.
For horror enthusiasts, "Heart Eyes" offers a unique twist on the slasher genre, following a masked psycho targeting couples in Seattle every Valentine's Day. This film is streaming on Netflix.
Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan stars in the action comedy "Love Hurts," where he plays a realtor and ex-hitman whose past comes back to haunt him. This lighthearted film is available on Peacock.
"Nickel Boys," an Oscar-nominated drama directed by RaMell Ross, tells the harrowing story of a Black teenager unjustly convicted in 1960s Jim Crow Florida. This powerful film can be streamed on Prime Video.
In the psychological horror film "The Damned," a 19th-century widow faces moral dilemmas after discovering a shipwreck in the Arctic. This chilling tale can be found on Hulu.
Lastly, "Summer of 69" is a coming-of-age comedy about a high school senior seeking to impress her crush with the help of an exotic dancer. This lighthearted film is available on Hulu.
With so many exciting titles to choose from, movie lovers are sure to find something that piques their interest this May. Whether it's the heartfelt journey of "Nonnas" or the thrilling suspense of "Black Bag," streaming platforms are delivering a diverse range of films to satisfy every taste.
As audiences dive into these new releases, they can expect to experience a mix of laughter, suspense, and heartfelt moments that resonate long after the credits roll. So, grab your popcorn and settle in for a month filled with cinematic enjoyment!
