Netflix knows how to tug at the heartstrings and they've gone above and beyond with the offering From Scratch.
Starring Zoe Saldana, the limited series is inspired by the memoir from Tembi Locke, who also created the show with her sister Attica Locke.
What Is From Scratch About?
From Scratch is an epic love story that follows Amy Wheeler (Zoe Saldana), an American student who heads off to Italy to study.
There she meets Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea), a Sicilian chef and so begins their whirlwind romance.
Thankfully all good things do not have to end, and Lino agrees to return to America with Amy so they can build a life together. So far so good.
Despite the cultural challenges of having to try and build a life in a new place, Lino settles in, and the couple makes it work.
And then comes the bombshell. Lino is very ill. With unimaginable health challenges, the couple’s future is threatened as their happy ever after looks unlikely.
So what will happen to Amy and Lino? Their two families must come together to support and love them in their time of need, proving that love crosses all borders.
From Scratch Trailer
Is From Scratch Worth Watching?
Billed as a cross cultural love story and based on the bestselling memoir, From Scratch is a beautiful story but one that will have you reaching for the tissues.
Expect tears as well as laughs as the story of Amy and Lino takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. After all, it is a romantic drama – with the emphasis on drama.
There is a massive spoiler in this story, but I'm not going to give that away. What I will say is that From Scratch is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting.
So if you tend to like Nicholas Sparks adaptations – you know, the tear-jerker ones like Best of Me, then this limited series will be right up your street.
It's impossible to fault the story, after all, this is somebody's actual life. The cast is sublime, and it has a really high production value, but it is also a show that has a specific demographic.
If you don't fall into the category of romantic drama fans, then it's unlikely that From Scratch will change your mind.
Netflix Release Date
Tembi Locke wrote her memoir, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily and Finding Home, in 2019.
It was then adapted by producer Reese Witherspoon and writer Marguerite MacIntyre for Hello Sunshine Production Company) and Netflix.
Filming began in September 2021, and following post-production was completed on October 2nd 2022.
Netflix then announced that From Scratch would have a release date on October 21st 2022.
From Scratch Netflix Cast
Aside from being created by Tembi Locke and her sister Attica Locke, the list of producers is equally impressive.
They include Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Zoe Saldaña, Richard Abate, Jermaine Johnson and Will Rowbotham. So it's clear from the outset that production is in good hands.
But in order to bring this inspirational story to life, you need a cast that can draw you in and keep you hooked. And they are…
Zoe Saldaña as Amy, an American woman who meets the love of her life when studying abroad in Italy.
Eugenio Mastrandrea as Lino, an Italian chef who moves to America to be with Amy.
Danielle Deadwyler as Zora
Keith David (Greenleaf) as Hershel
Kellita Smith as Lynn
Judith Scott as Maxine
Lucia Sardo as Filomena
Paride Benassai as Giacomo
Roberta Rigano as Biagia
Terrell Carter as Ken
