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Tony (2026)

 


Tony is written and directed by Matt Johnson, and while I haven't seen Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, this film has definitely made me want to. I've heard good things about it, and after seeing what Johnson does here, I'm curious to check out more of his work. Tony is filled with little details that I enjoyed, particularly in the way its characters mirror the relationships and careers of the actors playing them. The film doesn't quite reach greatness, but Johnson's direction and attention to those smaller details give the drama enough personality to stand out.

Dominic Sessa continues to find himself cast as the likable but uncharismatic underdog that audiences naturally want to root for. He was excellent in The Holdovers, and he's good here as well, but this is starting to feel like a type of character he could easily become stuck playing. Sessa has enough talent to become more than that, but he'll need to branch out soon if he wants to avoid being seen as just one particular type of underdog. Antonio Banderas plays a master chef teaching a beginning chef, which feels appropriate considering he's a master actor sharing the screen with a younger performer still developing his craft. It's one of the many small details within the film that I appreciated, and Banderas brings the experience and charisma the role requires.

Leo Woodall, known for The White Lotus and One Day, plays the charming but dangerous playboy who acts as a catalyst for Tony. He was great here, just as he was in Tuner earlier this year, and continues to show why he's becoming a more recognizable leading man. Emilia Jones, known for CODA, has grown up considerably since that film and immediately lights up every scene she's in. She plays the love interest with natural charm and beauty, giving the character exactly the kind of presence the role needs. She has never looked better, but more importantly, her performance brings genuine warmth to the story.

Stavros Halkias is the one member of the cast I could have done without. His character is more annoying than comedic, and his humor rarely adds much to the film. Michael Jibrin is also simply there to fill a role, doing very little to impact the story or leave a lasting impression. Neither performance ruins the film, but both characters feel less essential than the rest of the ensemble.

Overall, Tony is an enjoyable drama with strong performances and enough subtle details to reward viewers who pay attention. It doesn't quite reach greatness, but Matt Johnson shows enough behind the camera to make me interested in seeing more of his work. The cast is mostly strong, with Antonio Banderas, Leo Woodall, and Emilia Jones standing out, while Dominic Sessa continues to prove he is talented even if he needs to start exploring different kinds of roles. I would recommend Tony to fans of A24 films and character driven dramas. Result: B+

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