‘Tony’ Review: Sessa & Banderas Devour Bourdain Biopic

Quick Summary: Tony is simply a caller dramedy from A24 that imagines the summertime of 1975 erstwhile a 19-year-old, arrogant Anthony Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) gets humbled moving successful a Provincetown room nether a pugnacious cook (Antonio Banderas). Directed by Matt Johnson, it’s a funny, heartfelt root communicative rated ★★★ (Stream It Later).

What Is "Tony" All About?

Imagine the astir celebrated cook successful the world—Anthony Bourdain—before helium was famous. Before Kitchen Confidential, earlier Parts Unknown, earlier helium traveled the globe eating exotic foods with presidents.

This movie is astir that guy. The 19-year-old version. The 1 who thought helium was God’s acquisition to writing. The 1 who admits successful his ain book:

"I was — to beryllium frank — a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive and thoughtless young lout, and severely successful request of a bully ass-kicking."

Tony is that ass-kicking. Served up with lobster rolls, dishwater, and a full batch of heart.

The Setup: Summer of ’75

Enter: Chef (Antonio Banderas)

Tony’s caller brag is Chef — nary archetypal sanction needed. He’s:

• Grumpy
• No-nonsense
• Hilariously blunt
• Secretly wise

Think The Bear meets Good Will Hunting, but successful a lobster shack with mode much swearing.

Important Callout:
This isn’t a biopic. It’s a “dramedy” (drama + comedy) inspired by Bourdain’s aboriginal life. The filmmakers took originative licence — but captured his spirit perfectly.

The Cast: Small but Mighty

Behind the Camera: Matt Johnson’s Winning Streak

Matt Johnson is simply a Canadian filmmaker who’s softly gathering 1 of the champion drama résumés around:

1. “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” (2024) — Mockumentary genius
2. “BlackBerry” (2023) — Underrated tech dramedy (go ticker it)
3. Now: “Tony” — His archetypal U.S.-set play piece

He co-wrote Tony with Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, and Lou Howe. Together, they balanced:

• Bourdain’s dark, weird humor
• His aboriginal demons (addiction, ego, insecurity)
• The gritty, sweaty magic of a summertime kitchen

What Makes It Work? (The Secret Sauce)

• Tone control — Never excessively heavy, ne'er excessively silly. Walks the enactment similar a enactment navigator carrying 3 blistery plates.
• Period details — 1975 Provincetown feels lived in: the clothes, the music, the smoke, the slang.
• No leader worship — Young Tony is simply a jerk. The movie knows he’s a jerk. That’s what makes his maturation earned.
• Banderas + Sessa chemistry — The “grumpy mentor / arrogant protégé” dynamic is old, but they marque it fresh.

The Verdict: ★★★ — “Stream It Later”

“Tony” is simply a charming coming-of-age dramedy that gives a glimpse arsenic to however Anthony Bourdain became the antheral the satellite came to emotion — and his biggest fans should surely beryllium delighted. Sessa and Banderas radiance onscreen portion Johnson excels down the camera, extending his awesome streak arsenic a promising comedic filmmaker.
— Joseph A. Wulfsohn, Fox News Digital

Need-to-Know Details

FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered

Is this a existent story?

Not exactly. It’s inspired by Bourdain’s writings (especially Kitchen Confidential) and his aboriginal life, but the circumstantial events — the fellowship, Nancy, Chef — are fictionalized. Think of it arsenic “based connected a vibe.”

Do I request to cognize Bourdain to bask it?

Nope. It works arsenic a standalone coming-of-age story. But if you do cognize him, you’ll drawback Easter eggs and admit the characterization more.

Is it funny? Sad? Both?

Both. It’s a dramedy — deliberation Juno, Lady Bird, oregon The Holdovers (which besides starred Sessa). You’ll laughter astatine Tony’s delusion, past consciousness for him erstwhile world hits.

How’s the nutrient porn?

Solid. Not Chef (2014) levels of glamor shots, but the lobster rolls, clams, and room chaos consciousness real. You’ll privation seafood after.

Where tin I ticker it?

In theaters now. No streaming day announced yet — but it’s A24, truthful expect it connected Max oregon Paramount+ down the line.

Final Thought: Why This Matters

We don’t get galore movies astir young men failing forward — particularly ones who turn up to beryllium taste icons. Tony doesn’t mythologize Bourdain. It humanizes him.

And successful a summertime of sequels and superheroes, a quiet, sweaty, funny, R-rated quality survey astir a dishwasher uncovering his footing?
That’s a crockery worthy ordering.

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Article based connected reporting by Joseph A. Wulfsohn, media newsman for Fox News Digital. Follow him connected Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.