Anthony Bourdain's early years are brought to life in the A24 biopic Tony, which arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on August 14, 2026. The film, directed by Matt Johnson, focuses on a transformative summer in Bourdain's youth, starting at Vassar College and leading to a dishwashing job in Provincetown that changed his life. Dominic Sessa, 23, steps into the role of the teenage Bourdain, with Antonio Banderas playing his head chef mentor. The 106-minute, 15-rated drama has been praised for its sensitive yet gritty portrayal, easing fears that the project might mishandle Bourdain's legacy.
A Slice of Bourdain's Life, Not a Full Biography
Unlike traditional cradle-to-grave biopics, Tony zeroes in on a specific period: Bourdain's college years at Vassar in New York, followed by a summer job as a dishwasher in Provincetown. This is not the silver-haired CNN host seen slurping noodles with Barack Obama in Vietnam, but a younger, rawer version—one Bourdain himself described as 'a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive, and thoughtless young lout, badly in need of a good a**-kicking.' That quote opens the film and sets the tone for Sessa's performance.
The story draws on Bourdain's own bestselling memoir, Kitchen Confidential (2000), which detailed his early culinary adventures, including drug use in kitchens and the bonds formed with fellow cooks. In Tony, these elements play out as a coming-of-age comedy-drama, with Bourdain masquerading as a writer while learning to cook under the tutelage of his head chef, played by Banderas.
Sessa and Banderas Deliver Standout Performances
Sessa, who broke through in Alexander Payne's The Holdovers, embodies Bourdain with a striking resemblance and captures his lanky stance, hunched shoulders, and unabashed bravado. The actor flits between scenes of frustration—punching holes in a wall poster of Enter the Dragon—and moments of discovery, like shucking his first oyster and recalling a childhood trip to France that sparked his obsession with food. By his own admission, Bourdain was 'a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive, and thoughtless young lout,' a mantra that seems to guide Sessa's portrayal.
Banderas's performance as the head chef is described as tender and powerful, an unexpected standout. The bond between the two characters is phenomenal, adding emotional depth to the film. Meanwhile, Leo Woodall, known for playing Bridget Jones's love interest Roxster McDuff, takes on the role of Sal, a foul-mouthed restaurant worker. Woodall injects humor into the film, alongside comedian Stavros Halkias, and handles one of Kitchen Confidential's most scandalous moments—an explicit alleyway encounter with a newlywed bride.
A Sensitive Approach Wins Over Skeptics
Director Matt Johnson, known for BlackBerry and Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, brings an unpretentious style that showcases human flaws beautifully, making him an ideal fit for a complex character like Bourdain. The film's cinematography by Michael Bauman captures the balmy seaside town setting, while the intense romance between Bourdain and Nancy, played by Emilia Jones, reveals a tender heart beneath his tough exterior.
For many fans, including the reviewer, the announcement of a Bourdain biopic raised concerns. Bourdain's legacy has been protected by an intimate attachment with his fans, even after his death in 2018 at age 61. However, Tony puts naysayers at ease with its sensitive handling. The final scene, featuring a cameo from Bourdain's closest friend, French chef Eric Ripert—the last person to see him alive—provides a moving conclusion that feels like both a punch in the gut and a sigh of relief.
Tony is not Kitchen Confidential the film, nor the 2005 TV series starring Bradley Cooper. It stands on its own as a striking summertime drama that explores Bourdain's serious soul-searching. With stellar performances from Sessa, Banderas, and Woodall, the film offers a fresh perspective on a beloved storyteller, reminding audiences that there was nothing to worry about after all. The film releases in UK and Ireland cinemas on August 14, 2026.
