Tony: A Charming Look at Anthony Bourdain’s Early Years
Anthony Bourdain, the late culinary icon known for his sharp wit and adventurous spirit, once unflinchingly described his younger self as a “spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive and thoughtless young lout, and badly in need of a good ass-kicking.” This candid self-assessment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of A24’s new film, “Tony,” a charming dramedy that delves into the aspiring writer’s formative summer of 1975.
A Fellowship Fumble and a Cape Cod Chase
The film centers on a 19-year-old Tony, brought to life by Dominic Sessa, the breakout star from “The Holdovers.” Possessing an ego that far outstripped his current achievements, Tony is convinced he’s a shoo-in for a prestigious writing fellowship. His confidence, however, is quickly deflated when he doesn’t get the news he expected. Having already boasted to his parents about his supposed success, Tony finds himself in a bind. Instead of celebrating his nonexistent victory, he impulsively heads to Cape Cod, driven by an infatuation with Nancy, played by Emilia Jones of “CODA.” He’d previously exaggerated his career prospects to her, and now he needs to salvage his pride, or at least find a distraction.
Tony’s attempts to charm Nancy are met with a swift dose of reality: she’s not interested. Faced with dwindling funds and nowhere to stay, he finds himself at the mercy of a mysterious figure known only as Chef, portrayed by Antonio Banderas. Chef operates a small lobster shack in Provincetown, and his solution for Tony’s predicament is simple: wash dishes.
Clash of Personalities in a Lobster Shack
The dynamic between the carefree, somewhat arrogant young Tony and the no-nonsense Chef is ripe for conflict and comedy. Yet, beneath the surface of their initial clashes lies a burgeoning mentorship that will profoundly shape Tony’s future. The kitchen of Chef’s humble establishment becomes an unlikely crucible for Tony’s personal growth.
Director Matt Johnson, known for his work on “BlackBerry” and “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” co-writes and directs “Tony” with a keen eye for balancing Bourdain’s signature humor with the raw vulnerability of his early struggles. Johnson, alongside co-writers Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, and Lou Howe, crafts a narrative that feels both authentic to Bourdain’s public persona and deeply human in its exploration of his private battles.
Standout Performances
Dominic Sessa delivers a remarkable performance as the young Tony. He masterfully navigates the character’s flaws, making him simultaneously frustrating, funny, and ultimately, sympathetic. Sessa captures the essence of Bourdain’s complex spirit, drawing laughter and empathy from the audience in equal measure.
Antonio Banderas offers a career-highlight performance as the gruff but insightful Chef. He provides many of the film’s most humorous moments, but also injects a surprising amount of warmth and gravitas into his role as Tony’s reluctant mentor. His portrayal is a significant part of what makes the film so compelling.
The Verdict: A Deliciously Crafted Origin Story
“Tony” is a delightful coming-of-age dramedy that offers a compelling glimpse into the experiences that forged Anthony Bourdain into the beloved figure the world came to know. Fans of Bourdain’s work will find much to savor in this charming and insightful portrayal of his younger years.
The film’s success rests on the strong performances of Sessa and Banderas, complemented by Johnson’s assured direction. It solidifies Johnson’s reputation as a promising comedic filmmaker capable of delivering both laughs and heart.
“Tony” is rated R for pervasive language, drug use, and sexual content/nudity. The film runs for 1 hour and 46 minutes and is currently playing in theaters.
