Tony

Synopsis: A 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain travels to Provincetown and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen, setting off a summer that will shape the course of his life. 

Movie Review: 

Directed by Matthew Johnson, "Tony" is the latest biopic inspired by the book of the renowned chef, writer, and filmmaker Anthony Bourdain. This incredible drama is a coming-of-age tale that’s both inspiring and funny, set during a summer in 1975. It’s quickly become one of my favorite films of the year. Although Tony can be unlikable at times due to his lying, narcissism, and self-destructive behavior, Dominic Sessa delivers a captivating and charming performance as this ambitious young man. His hard work makes him a compelling character. I appreciated that the film didn’t shy away from showing his darker side, including drug use, heavy drinking, and rude behavior towards women, all of which contribute to his journey to becoming the chef we know. Emilia Jones shines as Nancy, the love interest, portraying a talented photographer who is beautiful, charismatic, and likable, even in this toxic love story that I found engaging. Leo Woodall steals the spotlight as the wild chef Sal, a drug and sex addict who introduces Tony to a reckless lifestyle and trains him in the worst ways, serving as a bad influence at times. Antonio Banderas plays the role of Chef, a responsible mentor who imparts his culinary wisdom to Tony, and he’s fantastic in this role, making me want to become a chef myself. The film does an excellent job of capturing the 1970s vibe, from the fashion to the production design, primarily set in Cape Cod, which immerses you in that era, including the rampant drug use of the time. I did wish there were more scenes of Tony training to be a cook, as the reliance on quick montages felt a bit rushed. Despite the fast pacing at times, this is still one of the best biopics I’ve seen in a while. I’m giving "Tony" a solid 4.5/5 stars. 

Director: Matthew Johnson 

Cast: Dominic Sessa, Emilia Jones, Stavros Halkias, Michael Jibrin, Monica Raymond, Rich Sommer, Dagmara Domińczyk, Caroline Portu with Leo Woodall and Antonio Banderas 

Runtime: 106 Minutes