‘Tony’ Trailer: A New Dramedy on Anthony Bourdain

The trailer for A24’s new dramedy “Tony” has been released, featuring stars Dominic Sessa, Emilia Jones, Leo Woodall, and Antonio Banderas. Directed by Matt Johnson, the film centers on the early life of the late celebrity chef and author, Anthony Bourdain.

Anthony Bourdain is remembered for his candidness, once describing himself as “a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive, and thoughtless young lout” in his book “Kitchen Confidential.” His self-reflection sets the tone for “Tony,” which is set in the summer of 1975. The film follows a 19-year-old aspiring writer named Tony, portrayed by Dominic Sessa, who is from New Jersey and is eager to secure a prestigious fellowship.

Confident in his abilities, Tony believes he will effortlessly secure the fellowship, only to find out he does not. After prematurely informing his parents of his success, he instead travels to Cape Cod, pursuing Nancy, played by Emilia Jones, a girl he has been infatuated with. However, to Tony’s dismay, Nancy is unavailable.

With limited funds and nowhere to stay, Tony finds himself working for a man named Chef, played by Antonio Banderas, in a small lobster restaurant in Provincetown. The dynamic between the carefree Tony and the stern Chef poses many challenges, but working in the kitchen becomes a transformative experience for Tony.

Matt Johnson, known for his comedic work, directs the film and co-wrote it alongside Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, and Lou Howe. The film captures Bourdain’s humor while addressing his personal struggles, reflecting his early life.

Dominic Sessa delivers a compelling performance, embodying Bourdain’s complexities. Antonio Banderas, playing Tony’s mentor, delivers both humor and emotional depth. Johnson’s direction highlights his talent as an emerging filmmaker in the comedy genre.

“Tony” offers an insightful look into the formative years of Anthony Bourdain, appealing especially to his fans. The film is rated R for explicit language, drug use, and sexual content, with a running time of 1 hour and 46 minutes.