YES, there are SPOILERS AHEAD for Tony.
The new Anthony Bourdain biopic, Tony, starring Dominic Sessa as the now-legendary chef, writer, and TV host, hits the 2026 movie schedule this weekend. I admit that I was skeptical of the movie when it was first announced. As a fan of Bourdain’s, I was genuinely worried the movie wouldn’t do his legacy justice, and I wasn’t alone. However, after seeing it, I’m glad to say that my worries were unfounded. Director Matt Johnson and Sessa really pulled a rabbit out of a hat (or the stew) here, and I think they nailed it, and critics agree.
Not only is Tony's tone perfect, with the right amount of humor and drama, but two scenes in the movie actually got me choked up thinking about Bourdain and his tragic death.
The First Moment Really Hit Me Hard
The first time that “real life” collided with the movie for me was the conversation Tony (Sessa) has with the head chef (Antonio Banderas) when he learns that Louis XIV’s chef died by suicide after a fish delivery came late for a banquet he was preparing for the French king. Tony is stunned and can’t believe that someone would do such a thing. Of course, the real Bourdain died the same way (though not under the same circumstances, obviously).
I remember the moment I learned of Bourdain’s death, and it hit me harder than most celebrity deaths do, and the manner of death was a big part of that. The filmmakers obviously meant for us to reflect on Bourdain’s death in this moment, especially as we watched a young version of the man just setting out in his adult life. Just like Bourdain’s death hit me in 2018, it hit me again in 2026 watching this scene. I’m glad it was included, because it reminds us all how fragile life is.
The Second Moment Was More Uplifting
Director Matt Johnson might have been a little worried that the final scene in the movie, which features a cameo by Bourdain’s good friend Eric Ripert, could have been “too cute.” It’s not. It’s honestly a perfect way to end the movie. It was really touching to see Ripert as the Culinary Institute of America Instructor interviewing young Tony for admission into the prestigious school. I think the real Bourdain would have loved this, too.
Ripert was in France with Bourdain in those last days of the writer’s life, and there is no one more appropriate to include in the moment. I was again choked up by the moment, both because it was bittersweet and because it was so poignant. I really loved the moment, and it was a fantastic way to end the movie, with Tony becoming “Anthony,” with his life’s journey in full motion.
Reflecting on Tony, I should have trusted the latest A24 movie to succeed in telling a great story. Even where names and details were changed for dramatic effect, the movie worked on my on every level. I’m so glad it did and that my expectations were totally turned around on the movie.
