Tony Serves Up a Charming Origin Story for Anthony Bourdain
Tony, the latest film from director Matt Johnson, explores the formative years of Anthony Bourdain, the celebrated chef, author, and television host whose adventurous spirit would later define his career. Rather than covering the full scope of Bourdain’s life, the film focuses on a pivotal summer in 1975 when the young aspiring writer unexpectedly discovered his passion for the kitchen.
Dominic Sessa, best known for The Holdovers, stars as the young Bourdain. His performance anchors the film, portraying Tony as an intelligent but arrogant college student whose confidence often masks insecurity. According to the review, Sessa gradually makes the character feel authentic, balancing pride, recklessness, and vulnerability throughout the story.
The film opens with Tony pitching an ambitious literary project to professors at Vassar College before pursuing his longtime crush, Nancy, played by Emilia Jones. After failing to secure a coveted fellowship and lying to his parents about the outcome, Tony impulsively travels to Provincetown, Massachusetts, hoping to reconnect with Nancy—only to discover she already has a boyfriend.
His misfortune continues after a drunken altercation at a local seafood restaurant, The Flagship, where he is knocked out by employee Sal, played by Leo Woodall. Instead of being turned away, Tony is offered work as the restaurant’s dishwasher by its demanding owner and chef, portrayed by Antonio Banderas. The unexpected opportunity becomes the turning point that sets him on the path toward adulthood and eventually his culinary career.
The review praises the chemistry among the cast, particularly Woodall’s energetic performance as Sal, whose rough personality and mentorship help shape Tony’s outlook. Banderas also receives recognition for bringing warmth and depth to the unnamed chef, avoiding the clichés often associated with mentor figures while serving as a believable influence on Tony’s development.
Johnson’s direction is described as natural and energetic, capturing the spontaneity of the coming-of-age story. The screenplay also earns praise for weaving references to Bourdain’s real life into the narrative without drawing excessive attention to them. Small details—including playful sword-fighting with coworkers, a drive-in theater marquee, and a brief appearance by Bourdain’s longtime friend and chef Éric Ripert—are included as subtle nods rather than overt fan service.
Set against a soundtrack of 1970s music, the film gradually reveals how Tony’s experiences in the kitchen begin to fuel both his culinary ambitions and his aspirations as a writer. Rather than explicitly foreshadowing Bourdain’s future success, the story allows these developments to emerge naturally.
The review notes one significant limitation: Tony covers only a narrow chapter of Bourdain’s life. As a result, it functions more as a prologue than a complete biography, ending long before his rise at Les Halles, the publication of Kitchen Confidential, or his television success with No Reservations and Parts Unknown.
Even so, the film succeeds on its own terms. With an engaging lead performance, appealing supporting cast, and understated storytelling, Tony delivers a heartfelt and entertaining portrait of the experiences that helped shape one of the culinary world’s most influential figures.
Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/
