Is From Scratch sad? (Will From Scratch make you cry?)

If you’re scrolling through Netflix attempting to find a new series to enjoy, it’s likely you might come across the streamer’s newest original limited series From Scratch. 

Inspired by the memoir From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home, the new romantic drama tells the love story of Amy and Lino, an American art student and Sicilian chef who meet and fall in love after a chance encounter.

Upon watching the trailer for the series to get a sense of what to expect, you might find yourself wondering what exactly you might be in for when you begin to watch the series — and understandably so. While it’s clear the series is a romantic drama following the pair’s whirlwind romance, the trailer also hints at heartbreak to come for the couple when it’s teased that Lino faces a health scare of some sort.

The hint of heartbreak in the trailer raises an understandable question about what to expect from the series, particularly whether you should prepare to have some tissues on hand while watching.

Warning: Spoilers ahead from From Scratch season 1. 

Does From Scratch have a sad ending?

If you’re sitting down, getting ready to watch From Scratch you might want to have a box of tissues on hand as the series is a beautiful love story full of lighthearted moments but also heartbreak that will tear your heart out in several moments through its beautiful acting and writing.

As hinted in the trailer for the episode, Lino is faced with unimaginable health challenges in the form of a rare soft tissue cancer called leiomyosarcoma which threatens the couple’s future in unexpected ways. Following his diagnosis, Lino undergoes treatment and eventually has the tumor removed before joining a clinical trial to treat the disease.

Luckily, the clinical trial works and Lino and Amy are able to start their family and it seems like the worst days of their lives are behind them. This is why it felt like such a gut punch when Lino’s cancer returns years later and their battle begins again.

Sadly, though, Lino isn’t able to beat the odds a second time around as the cancer spreads to his lungs and his health quickly begins to decline. At a certain point, the doctors and Lino realize there’s nothing more they can do for him which is when Lino returns to his home to spend his final days surrounded by family before passing away peacefully.

Will From Scratch make you cry?

If you’re looking for a show that will make you cry and hit you with the feels, From Scratch will definitely do the trick.

It’s truly incredible how the creative team builds up the characters in such little time and draws you into their lives. You become invested in Lino and Amy’s love story which is why when Lino’s health declines and the pair go through the darkest of hours you can’t help but share the sorrow and heartache the couple endure.

Zoe Saldaña and Eugenio Mastrandrea deliver a pair of flawless performances in the roles of Amy and Lino, pulling you into their characters’ lives and love story. Your heart will break as the pair go through the unimaginable challenges life throws their way and their final scene together before Lino’s death was one of the most beautifully acted moments of the entire series.

As someone who does not easily cry while watching shows or movies, I couldn’t believe how hard From Scratch would hit me emotionally. I cried tears of joy and plenty more tears of sorrow, but that’s the beauty of a show such as this: to make the audiences feel these powerful emotions through the even more powerful story being told across the eight-episode series.

So yes, you’re likely to cry several times while watching From Scratch but I can promise you it’s worth it as this series is one that will stay with you long after you’ve watched the final episode for it’s more than just a story about loss. It’s a story about chasing your dreams, the power of friendship and family, and the beauty of true love.

From Scratch is streaming now on Netflix.