**"Tony" (2026), the A24 Anthony Bourdain biopic directed by Matt Johnson and starring Dominic Sessa, opened to strong early critic support after the review embargo lifted in late July.** Initial batches produced a perfect 100% Tomatometer on 20–30 reviews, with praise centered on its empathetic coming-of-age portrayal of young Bourdain, authentic kitchen-world details, and Sessa’s breakout performance. As the review count climbed to roughly 70–80 ahead of and during the August 7 limited theatrical release, the score settled in the low-to-mid 90s (recent snapshots show 93–95%), reflecting broader consensus while incorporating a handful of more measured takes. This trajectory aligns with typical patterns for well-reviewed prestige biopics: early festival or embargo buzz drives high percentages that moderate modestly once mainstream critics weigh in. Key swing factors for traders include the pace of additional reviews, the August 21 nationwide expansion, and any late shifts in critical narrative. Audience Popcornmeter scores and verified ratings remain pending or limited, adding another layer of uncertainty, though the Tomatometer itself has shown resilience so far. Historical precedent suggests scores in this range often hold or dip only slightly post-wide release unless major backlash emerges.