‘Tony’ Review: Sessa & Banderas Devour Bourdain Biopic
A24’s "Tony": A Young Anthony Bourdain Gets His "Ass-Kicking" in This Charming Coming-of-Age Story
Quick Summary: Tony is a new dramedy from A24 that imagines the summer of 1975 when a 19-year-old, arrogant Anthony Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) gets humbled working in a Provincetown kitchen under a tough chef (Antonio Banderas). Directed by Matt Johnson, it’s a funny, heartfelt origin story rated ★★★ (Stream It Later).
What Is "Tony" All About?
Imagine the most famous chef in the world—Anthony Bourdain—before he was famous. Before Kitchen Confidential, before Parts Unknown, before he traveled the globe eating exotic foods with presidents.
This movie is about that guy. The 19-year-old version. The one who thought he was God’s gift to writing. The one who admits in his own book:
"I was — to be frank — a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive and thoughtless young lout, and badly in need of a good ass-kicking."
Tony is that ass-kicking. Served up with lobster rolls, dishwater, and a whole lot of heart.
The Setup: Summer of ’75
| Detail | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Who | Tony (Dominic Sessa), 19, aspiring writer from New Jersey |
| What | Applies for a prestigious fellowship — thinks he’s a lock |
| Twist | He doesn’t get it. But he already told his parents he did. |
| Next Move | Runs off to Cape Cod to chase a girl, Nancy (Emilia Jones) |
| Problem | She’s not available. He’s broke. He has nowhere to stay. |
| Lifeline | Gets a dishwashing job at a tiny lobster shack in Provincetown |
Enter: Chef (Antonio Banderas)
Tony’s new boss is Chef — no first name needed. He’s:
- Grumpy
- No-nonsense
- Hilariously blunt
- Secretly wise
Think The Bear meets Good Will Hunting, but in a lobster shack with way more swearing.
Important Callout:
This isn’t a biopic. It’s a “dramedy” (drama + comedy) inspired by Bourdain’s early life. The filmmakers took creative license — but captured his spirit perfectly.
The Cast: Small but Mighty
| Actor | Role | Why They Shine |
|---|---|---|
| Dominic Sessa | Tony (Young Bourdain) | Makes you laugh, cringe, and cry — sometimes in the same scene. Nailed Bourdain’s swagger and vulnerability. |
| Antonio Banderas | Chef | Career-best work in years. Funny, scary, tender — the mentor we all wish we had. |
| Emilia Jones | Nancy | Grounded, sharp, not just “the girl.” Holds her own against Sessa. |
| Leo Woodall | (Supporting) | Adds chaos and charm in the kitchen crew. |
Behind the Camera: Matt Johnson’s Winning Streak
Matt Johnson is a Canadian filmmaker who’s quietly building one of the best comedy résumés around:
- “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” (2024) — Mockumentary genius
- “BlackBerry” (2023) — Underrated tech dramedy (go watch it)
- Now: “Tony” — His first U.S.-set period piece
He co-wrote Tony with Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, and Lou Howe. Together, they balanced:
- Bourdain’s dark, weird humor
- His early demons (addiction, ego, insecurity)
- The gritty, sweaty magic of a summer kitchen
What Makes It Work? (The Secret Sauce)
- Tone control — Never too heavy, never too silly. Walks the line like a line cook carrying three hot plates.
- Period details — 1975 Provincetown feels lived in: the clothes, the music, the smoke, the slang.
- No hero worship — Young Tony is a jerk. The movie knows he’s a jerk. That’s what makes his growth earned.
- Banderas + Sessa chemistry — The “grumpy mentor / arrogant protégé” dynamic is old, but they make it fresh.
The Verdict: ★★★ — “Stream It Later”
“Tony” is a charming coming-of-age dramedy that gives a glimpse as to how Anthony Bourdain became the man the world came to love — and his biggest fans should certainly be delighted. Sessa and Banderas shine onscreen while Johnson excels behind the camera, extending his impressive streak as a promising comedic filmmaker.
— Joseph A. Wulfsohn, Fox News Digital
Need-to-Know Details
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Rating | R (pervasive language, drug use, sexual content/nudity) |
| Runtime | 1 hour 46 minutes |
| Studio | A24 |
| Director | Matt Johnson |
| Writers | Matt Johnson, Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, Lou Howe |
| In Theaters | Now |
| Best For | Bourdain fans, coming-of-age lovers, The Bear viewers, anyone who’s ever had a terrible summer job |
FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Is this a true story?
Not exactly. It’s inspired by Bourdain’s writings (especially Kitchen Confidential) and his early life, but the specific events — the fellowship, Nancy, Chef — are fictionalized. Think of it as “based on a vibe.”
Do I need to know Bourdain to enjoy it?
Nope. It works as a standalone coming-of-age story. But if you do know him, you’ll catch Easter eggs and appreciate the characterization more.
Is it funny? Sad? Both?
Both. It’s a dramedy — think Juno, Lady Bird, or The Holdovers (which also starred Sessa). You’ll laugh at Tony’s delusion, then feel for him when reality hits.
How’s the food porn?
Solid. Not Chef (2014) levels of glamor shots, but the lobster rolls, clams, and kitchen chaos feel real. You’ll want seafood after.
Where can I watch it?
In theaters now. No streaming date announced yet — but it’s A24, so expect it on Max or Paramount+ down the line.
Final Thought: Why This Matters
We don’t get many movies about young men failing forward — especially ones who grow up to be cultural icons. Tony doesn’t mythologize Bourdain. It humanizes him.
And in a summer of sequels and superheroes, a quiet, sweaty, funny, R-rated character study about a dishwasher finding his footing?
That’s a dish worth ordering.
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Article based on reporting by Joseph A. Wulfsohn, media reporter for Fox News Digital. Follow him on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.