"Tony" (Tony) — a biographical comedy-drama of 2026 directed by Matt Johnson about the youth of the famous chef, writer and television host Anthony Bourdain. The film was released in American theaters on 7 August, and on 21 August a wide release began.
At the center of the story is nineteen-year-old Bourdain, who finds himself in a restaurant kitchen in Provincetown. One summer, a job that seems accidental at first glance, new acquaintances — and an experience that will determine the further direction of his life. Young Tony is played by Dominic Sessa.
The film immerses us in the youth of the legendary chef, writer and television host Anthony Bourdain. And let us say right away: this is not just a standard biopic, but a genuine cinematic journey full of taste, drive and philosophy.
🎭 A brilliant acting ensemble
The cast has been assembled wonderfully. It brings together:
- Antonio Banderas — "Desperado," "The Mask of Zorro," "The 13th Warrior," "The Expendables 3."
- Dominic Sessa — "The Holdovers," "Now You See Me 3."
- Leo Woodall — "Vladimir", "The White Lotus."
- Emilia Jones — "The Running Man," "Task."
- Monica Raymund — "The Good Wife", "Lie to Me."
Everyone fits this story perfectly. There is a sense of people who live nearby, influence one another, make mistakes, and each search for their own path.
🌟 The Magic of Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas in the lead role is as magnificent as one could possibly imagine a leading actor in a biographical drama. His charisma, his facial expressions and his inner energy fill every frame. We have praised Banderas for many roles before, but here we will say it again: it is simply impossible to tear yourself away from the screen when he is acting. He does not merely play Bourdain — he lives him.
🎵 An Atmosphere That Captivates
An utterly stunning film with an incredible technical makeup. The music here is unforced, alive and very beautiful — it interweaves perfectly with the visuals, creating an effect of complete immersion. The imagery is as rich as Bourdain's finest dishes, and the pacing is simply wonderful: not a single wasted second, the film keeps you on your toes from beginning to end.
What Is Especially Good
The music is alive, beautiful, and hits the mood with perfect precision. The imagery is warm, atmospheric, with the feel of a real summer on the coast. The pacing is held ideally — it never rushes, yet never lets you get bored. The acting ensemble is chosen very precisely.
The film seems to be about the kitchen and youth, but in fact it has a hidden leitmotif "Who am I?". This question is gradually revealed through relationships, mistakes, small defeats and sudden insights.
This is a magnificent work and one of the main films of the year from us among feature films. We are delighted by the imagery, the visuals, the music, the impeccable pacing and, above all, the profound message.
Gradually the film's central question for us also emerges: "Who am I?"
What in me is truly mine? What do I want? And how do you get to know yourself when you don't yet understand where to go?
"Tony" leads us to these questions naturally, through the hero's life itself. You get caught up in what is happening, you enjoy the atmosphere — and gradually you begin to hear something deeper behind it.
The music is a pleasure all its own. Alive, incredibly beautiful, it gives the scenes mood and inner movement. The imagery matches it: you want to study the frames, linger in them, absorb the light and the atmosphere.
And at the same time the film has wonderful pacing. It gives you time to feel what is happening, but holds your attention. For a story of growing up and finding yourself, that is especially valuable.
We have already praised Banderas, but we will say it again: thanks to him it is impossible to tear yourself away from the screen. His presence gives the scenes a special power. Even a simple conversation you want to listen to with full attention.
One of the dialogues:
— Get up, let's go to church!
— Why should I go to church? I don't believe in God.
— You don't believe in God? Do you not believe in air either? But you still breathe. Let's go!
In this short scene there is humor, and character, and something to think about.
Gaya's rating — 9.1/10.
For us, "Tony" is one of the strongest pictures of 2026 among feature films and series. For the visuals, the music, the pacing, the acting and, above all, for the message.
The only thing we found slightly lacking: the central meaning is fully revealed closer to the very end. And we would have liked to stay a little longer with that feeling, to stretch out the pleasure, to savor it.
A very beautiful film, after which the question "Who am I?" stays with you. A magnificent work.
A must-watch for everyone who values real cinema, good music and stories about strong personalities! 🍷🔪💓💖💥
