08/21/2026
Tony (2026): A Fun Look Into the Early Life of Anthony Bourdain
Director Matt Johnson dives directly into the early years of celebrity chef an author Anthony Bourdain. The plot unfolds over the course of a single year in the now deceased artist’s life, with the majority of the film being shot on location in Provincetown Massachusetts. Between the witty dialogue and Dominic Sessa’s stand out performances as the titular character, Tony is definitely a must watch.
From the outset, the film places the viewer directly in the year 1975, with the lead character even attending the Wellfleet drive into watch the then summer blockbuster of that year Jaws with his friends. The plot unfolds as Bourdain comes into his own in the culinary world under the auspices of the paternal figure known simply as Chef (Antonio Banderas). The arc of the protagonist’s journey goes from being an obnoxious young aspiring writer to a compulsive liar as he peruses his love interest Nancy (Emelia Jones).
What strikes the viewer the most is how well the director jostles both opposing sides of Bourdain’s aspirations. He’s torn between being a writer but is by fate pulled into the culinary world after failing to get a writing fellowship to Vassar college. Sadly, the film also delves deep into the late chef’s drug and alcohol problem as the plot pushes forward.
Comedian Stavros Halkias delivers a solid performances as the chef worker Stavros, ironically, and his dialogue and delivery is unmatched in the film. Everything in this biopic is done right, even with its modest budget and simple production quality from A24 pictures.
The one regret the viewer may have is wanting to see more of the late great Bourdain’s life. A single year in the monolithic icon’s life is not enough in truly telling his entire life’s story. There was definitely more room to move with the script. Regardless, Sessa does a stellar job in portraying the tortured chef/writer’s life. His performance oscillates from brash youth to responsible adult ball within the span of a two hour run time. The casting is perfect in this film and it definitely shows over the course of the movie.
In the end, Tony could not have done more than it has in the span of covering a single year in Bourdain’s storied life. Matt Johnson’s use of on location shooting, coupled with a great cast helps to elevate this modest biopic into the stellar stratosphere of great works. Sessa is never dogmatic when portraying the title character.
Everything in this film is meticulously done. Even the drug addled character Sal (Leo Woodall) is amiable and is as necessary to the plot as the protagonist Sessa himself. The director places you in the wild era of the 1970’s, and the costumes and music helps entice this nostalgic time in Bourdain’s life. This biopic appeals to everyone in its approach and there is not a single minute wasted on useless exposition.
Article written by Anthony Frisina of Cinephilia
Magazine.
