“Marcella” is a savory, heartfelt celebration that chronicles the life and legacy of Marcella Hazan, one of the most influential culinary voices of the 20th century. Even (or especially) if you’re unfamiliar with Hazan, this documentary is a must-watch for foodies, home cooks, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of a good meal.
Marcella Hazan didn’t just teach Americans how to cook Italian food: she taught them how to respect it. Through her iconic cookbooks and unapologetically precise guidance, she opened a new world of flavor to a generation raised on bland and boring red sauce clichés. This documentary captures not just her technical brilliance in the kitchen, but also her fiery personality, scientific mind, and ironclad devotion to authenticity.
The film is a feast in many ways. Visually, it’s lush with slow-motion shots of bubbling sauces, rustic pastas, and chefs recreating her most beloved recipes. (In other words, don’t watch this one if you’re hungry). The true richness lies in the storytelling and personal interviews with those who knew Hazan best. Featuring glowing tributes from culinary giants like Jacques Pépin, Lidia Bastianich, Danny Meyer, and April Bloomfield, the film mixes biography with memory and history with flavor.
The film works so well because director Peter Miller never talks down to the viewer or relies on foodie elitism. Instead, his film mirrors Hazan’s own philosophy: cooking is for everyone. Even those unfamiliar with her books will find something to love here, whether it’s the rich archival footage, the emotional interviews, or simply the mouthwatering pasta dishes that’ll make you want to lick the screen.
The first half of the film feels a bit dry and overly detailed as Miller chooses to focus heavily on Hazan’s early life and education. This part of the subject’s life isn’t the most compelling, and I found myself growing impatient to get to the more interesting elements of Hazan’s story like her explosive arrival on the American food scene, her teaching, her writing, and her unforgettable flavors.
At its best, “Marcella” is a documentary that indulges in its appetite for nostalgia and inspiration with a heartfelt portrait of a woman who revolutionized the American kitchen. Hazan’s story is a reminder that food isn’t just sustenance, but something that can trigger a memory, inspire love, celebrate culture, and inspire connection.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 