From Scratch Story:-
While I strive for objectivity in my TV critiques, it would be disingenuous to deny that my mood influences my perception of what I watch. When I tuned into “From Scratch,” after a taxing week had left me feeling particularly vulnerable, I was more than ready to immerse myself in a comforting show. Netflix’s unabashedly sentimental new limited series delivers just that — at least initially. What starts as a romantic tale in its early episodes evolves into a poignant narrative of loss and resilience by its conclusion. Frankly, resistance was futile.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 21 October 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Creator | Attica Locke, Tembi Locke |
| Cast | Zoe Saldaña, Eugenio Mastrandrea, Danielle Deadwyler, Keith David, Kellita Smith, Judith Scott, Lucia Sardo, Paride Benassai, Roberta Rigano |
| Director | Nzingha Stewart, Dennie Gordon |
| Writer | Attica Locke, Tembi Locke, Amy Wang, Jason Coffey, J.J. Braider, Marguerite MacIntyre, Joshua Allen |
| Producer | Attica Locke, Tembi, Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Zoe Saldaña, Richard Abate, Jermaine Johnson, Will Rowbotham, Nzingha Stewart, Guy Louthan, Emily Ferenbach, Cisely Saldana, Mariel Saldana |
| Production | Hello Sunshine, 3 Arts Entertainment |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Adapted from Tembi Locke’s memoir and produced by Hello Sunshine following Reese Witherspoon’s selection for her influential book club, “From Scratch” chronicles the beginning, middle, and end of the relationship between Texan artist Amy (Zoe Saldaña) and Italian chef Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea). Their connection, along with the palpable chemistry between Saldaña and Mastrandrea, is immediate and profound, prompting Lino to uproot his life in Italy to join Amy in Los Angeles, despite never having ventured outside his homeland before meeting her in Florence.
While this narrative could easily focus solely on the whirlwind romance (and the conspicuous Aperol sponsorship), director Nzingha Stewart (“Maid,” “Little Fires Everywhere”) takes the time to explore the beauty and complexity of their relationship, even before tragedy strikes. Notably, Stewart underscores the sensuality and care inherent in the food prepared throughout the series, particularly by Lino. Food serves as his love language, and Amy endeavors to become fluent in it as well as in Italian. While it may strain credibility to see 44-year-old Saldaña portray a wide-eyed college student at the outset, it hardly detracts from the story’s impact. “From Scratch” delves far beyond the mere genesis of Amy and Lino’s romance, spanning the entirety of their time together.
With eight episodes to narrate her own history, co-creator Locke collaborates with her sister Attica Locke to broaden the series’ scope, depicting not only Amy and Lino’s relationship but also their familial dynamics and how they converge when circumstances demand it. Characters like Amy’s sister Zora (Danielle Deadwyler) and Lino’s parents Filomena (Lucia Sardo) and Giacomo (Paride Benassai) play integral roles in the narrative. With seasoned actors like Kellita Smith and Keith David portraying Amy’s parents, “From Scratch” crafts a sprawling, authentic family that lends credibility to the occasionally cheesy dialogue. Saldaña, drawing from her real-life experiences as the spouse of an Italian, brings depth to Locke’s character, while Mastrandrea skillfully navigates Lino’s emotional journey.
A word of caution: if you’ve grappled with terminal illness, served as a caregiver, or find yourself emotionally raw, “From Scratch” may prove challenging to watch. However, if you’re open to exploring a range of emotions, this series offers a cathartic experience that is sure to resonate deeply.
“From Scratch” premieres Friday, October 21 on Netflix.
