The trailer for A24’s dramedy ‘Tony,’ starring Dominic Sessa, Emilia Jones, Leo Woodall, and Antonio Banderas, offers a glimpse into the early life of the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Directed by Matt Johnson, this film draws from Bourdain’s own words in ‘Kitchen Confidential,’ where he described himself as spoiled, narcissistic, and self-destructive.
Set in the summer of 1975, the film portrays 19-year-old aspiring writer Tony from New Jersey, played by Dominic Sessa. Tony is confident in his chances of landing a prestigious fellowship but soon faces disappointment. After prematurely informing his parents of his success, Tony travels to Cape Cod pursuing Nancy, played by Emilia Jones, a girl he is infatuated with. However, he finds she is unavailable, mirroring the lost fellowship opportunity.
Stranded in Provincetown, Tony works for a strict Chef, portrayed by Antonio Banderas, at a small lobster eatery. The dynamic between carefree Tony and the strict Chef becomes a focal point, highlighting Tony’s personal transformation working in the kitchen.
Matt Johnson, known for ‘BlackBerry’ and ‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,’ directs and co-writes ‘Tony’ alongside Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, and Lou Howe. The team blends comedy and drama, capturing the humor and early struggles of Bourdain.
Dominic Sessa impressively portrays Tony, invoking humor and empathy. Antonio Banderas delivers a standout performance, adding depth as Tony’s mentor. Johnson’s direction adds to his credibility as a promising comedic filmmaker.
‘Tony’ showcases how Anthony Bourdain became a widely loved figure. With standout performances from Sessa and Banderas, Johnson maintains his streak of successful filmmaking.
The film is rated R due to pervasive language, drug use, and nudity, with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. Currently in theaters, ‘Tony’ captures the spirit of Bourdain’s youth and is a delight for his fans.