Tony (2026) - A Movie Review

The journey changes you. It should change you. 

"Tony" is a 2026 film based on the life of the late Anthony Bourdain. In the mid-1970s, Bourdain aimlessly travels to Provincetown. He is swept into the restaurant world under the wing of a professional chef. This summer will shape his future.

I have always been a fan of restaurant movies, and "Tony" immediately intrigued me. The late Anthony Bourdain was a notoriety in cooking. Before fame, have you ever wondered what a person’s story was to get where they are? Nothing is ever perfect. “Tony” is a fascinating dramatization that evokes newfound passion and the chaotic restaurant industry. 

Dominick Sessa is slowly gaining recognition since his starring role in “The Holdovers.” Sessa has a distinctive way of playing characters, finding the anger but also personal moments. Other than his cooking side, I didn’t know much about Anthony Bourdain’s life. Truth is, neither did Sessa, who focused more on channeling Bourdain’s youthful energy. 

This is one of my favorite Antonio Banderas roles in recent years. He plays the no-nonsense head chef to perfection. Banderas and Sessa have excellent chemistry. The Chef teaches Bourdain to be something more, even if that means splashing water on him every morning.

Restaurant movies mean one thing: characters. You never know who you are going to butt heads with in the kitchen. Credits include Emolia Jones, Leo Woodall, Stavros Halklas, Michael Jibrin, Monica Raymond, Rich Somner, and more as extras on the island.

Sal (Woodall) is an obnoxious jerk, but it’s a job well done by Leo Woodall. Viewers may recognise Woodall from the Netflix series “One Day.” Usually, Woodall plays down-to-earth, pleasant characters, but every actor has to dive into a new range. 

Ever since her breakout role in “CODA,” Emilia Jones has been getting more roles. She brings something more to the role of ‘the crush.’

“Tony” is directed by Matt Johnson, who also directed “Blackberry” (2023) and “Nirvana the Band Show” (2007 - 2010). Johnson initially passed on directing “Tony,” hesitant because he lacked knowledge about Bourdain’s life. 

The theme of youthful anxiety sparked Johnson’s attention. I like how the film focuses on one significant moment instead of recreating Bourdain’s entire life. There is an energetic, almost unpredictable quality to the filmmaking that fits Tony himself. 

Filming took place in Provincetown, MA, to convey authenticity. Johnson said they had a great experience filming in the simplicity of the town. Cape Cod is one of my favorite summer destinations. There are tons of things to do, like shopping and exploring various restaurants. Michael Bauman’s cinematography creates a warm, lived-in visual world.

Bauman’s cinematography evokes the utter stress of cooking a meal. Food has its own world. There’s a reason why the dining room is cut off from the kitchen in restaurants. However, customers at “The Flagship” can see into the kitchen. Customers have to watch an unfortunate moment unfold from the dining area.

That visual contrast also mirrors Tony’s development. Outside the kitchen, there is freedom, sunlight, and the feeling that his entire life is still ahead of him. Inside, everything is heat, noise, pressure, and discipline. 

Scenes can be funny, but sometimes you don’t know how to react to Tony’s decisions. “Tony” is a coming-of-age film. Nobody knows the direction of their lives right after high school. I viewed this film more as a standalone story than as a film about Bourdain’s life. We all want to become something. The road to success is not easy, but eventually, we make progress. 

“Tony” is a good drama to check out while it’s still in theaters.