From Scratch, the 2022 Netflix limited series based on Tembi Locke’s best-selling memoir, is a deeply personal, emotionally resonant story that traverses continents and hearts. Created by Attica Locke and Tembi Locke, the series stars Zoe Saldaña in one of her most grounded and emotionally nuanced performances to date, portraying Amy Wheeler—a Texan artist who finds love, heartbreak, and belonging far from home.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Florence and Los Angeles, From Scratch follows Amy’s transformative romance with Lino, a Sicilian chef played with warmth and quiet strength by Eugenio Mastrandrea. Their love blossoms amid cultural clashes, family expectations, and ultimately, devastating illness. What begins as a passionate cross-cultural affair evolves into a profound meditation on resilience, grief, and the enduring power of chosen family.
The strength of From Scratch lies in its authenticity. Drawing from real-life events, the series deftly weaves intimate storytelling with themes of immigration, identity, and caregiving. Its cinematography is lush and inviting—Florence’s sun-soaked piazzas and Los Angeles’ cozy corners reflect the emotional highs and lows of Amy and Lino’s journey. The supporting cast, including Danielle Deadwyler and Keith David, delivers heartfelt performances that enrich the narrative’s emotional depth.
With its tender writing, evocative score, and compelling performances, From Scratch is not merely a love story—it is a portrait of how we carry and honor the people we love, even after loss. This series is a celebration of life’s most fragile, beautiful moments—and a testament to how love can be both transformative and eternal.
