**"Tony," the A24 Anthony Bourdain biopic directed by Matt Johnson and starring Dominic Sessa, opened to strong early critical support.** The review embargo lifted in late July 2026, with the film quickly posting a perfect 100% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes based on the first 20–30 reviews. Scores have since settled in the mid-to-high 90s (recent tallies show 94–98% from 40–48 critics, averaging around 7.4/10), reflecting praise for Sessa’s lead performance, the film’s empathetic coming-of-age focus on Bourdain’s early kitchen days, and its grounded tone. This momentum aligns with A24’s track record for awards-friendly dramas and positive precursor signals from critics’ circles. Key upcoming catalysts include the wider theatrical rollout on August 21, 2026, which could draw additional reviews, plus the arrival of verified audience scores (Popcornmeter) once the film plays to broader crowds. Historical patterns show RT scores for similar limited-release biopics can shift modestly with volume, though the current consensus appears stable unless late reviews introduce notable dissent. Traders are closely watching review volume and any Metacritic movement as proxies for sustained momentum.