Even years after his death, Anthony Bourdain continues to be a larger-than-life figure in America. His contributions to culinary arts and pop culture are a touchstone for many. His presence was entertaining and inspiring, and his loss is still deeply felt. It’s clear that plays into Tony, a new biopic that explores some of Bourdain’s early life and inspiration over one summer in 1975.

The story is culled from his writing in Kitchen Confidential, the memoir he eventually wrote. But back in 1975, he was a student at Vassar College who fancied himself a writer. He just didn’t quite know how to break in or what his true calling was in life. It’s that chunk of his story that is the focus of the new film from director Matt Johnson.

In the film, we meet a young Bourdain, who liked to go by Tony (Dominic Sessa), as he’s trying to win a fellowship. It would allow him to write a novel—but mostly he wants it to afford him a summer bumming around New York. He weaves a tale because he’s a born storyteller, but none of it is sincere. That’s because he doesn’t really know who he is or who he wants to be.

While his dad (Rich Sommer) buys all the yarns that Tony spins, his mother (Dagmara Dominczyk) sees through it. When Tony predictably fails to get his fellowship, he’s left without a plan. So, he decides to follow a girl (Emilia Jones) up to Provincetown for the summer. When that also doesn’t work out, he’s seemingly out of options, out of money, and turns to drinking.

After getting thrown out of a local restaurant, he ends up on the owner’s (Antonio Banderas) hammock. In exchange for a place to sleep, he agrees to return to work in the kitchen. There, he’s faced with temptations toward the wrong path from a co-worker (Leo Woodall), but also discovers a love of creating in the kitchen. It’s both influences that will follow him all the rest of his life.

Johnson is an interesting director. Earlier this year he delivered Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie. Previously he delivered the engaging biopic Blackberry. He knows how to tell a story that infuses comedy and drama. That serves the audience well with Tony.

I like the setup and the journey. We follow Tony during a couple crucial months where he finds himself, finds his passion, and returns to being known as Anthony Bourdain by the end. It’s an engaging journey and a fun way to explore the background and the inspiration for a man that many came to know later in his life and career.

Sessa does a beautiful job in the lead role. He has a lot put on him and handles it all well. He’s captivating on screen. So, too, is the supporting cast. I enjoy Jones, Woodall, and Banderas as the primary influences—some for good and some for bad—that Tony feels during his summer in Provincetown. By now we know where the man ended up, but it’s fun to see this journey of self-discovery. You can’t help but root for Tony to figure it out and become the talented chef, author, and creator we know him to be.

I enjoyed the ride, and I thought film was well-paced. It will be a good watch for long-time Bourdain fans and those that just want to learn a bit more about him. Tony is now in limited release and expands nationwide on Friday, August 21.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.