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Tonic

  • 2025
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
113
YOUR RATING
Tonic (2025)
CrimeDramaThriller

A barfly jazz pianist must commit murder in exchange for his drug debt to a crooked cop.A barfly jazz pianist must commit murder in exchange for his drug debt to a crooked cop.A barfly jazz pianist must commit murder in exchange for his drug debt to a crooked cop.

  • Director
    • Derek Presley
  • Writer
    • Derek Presley
  • Stars
    • Lori Petty
    • Richard Riehle
    • Ed Westwick
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.0/10
    113
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Derek Presley
    • Writer
      • Derek Presley
    • Stars
      • Lori Petty
      • Richard Riehle
      • Ed Westwick
    • 10User reviews
    • 17Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win total

    Photos34

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    Top cast31

    Edit
    Lori Petty
    Lori Petty
    • Elise Poe
    Richard Riehle
    Richard Riehle
    • Edward
    Ed Westwick
    Ed Westwick
    • Stanley Roberson
    Jason Coviello
    Jason Coviello
    • Terry Rush
    Billy Blair
    Billy Blair
    • Sebastian Poe
    Vernon Davis
    Vernon Davis
    • Ricky Donahue
    Ammie Masterson
    Ammie Masterson
    • Jane
    Luke Barnett
    Luke Barnett
    • Paulo Deville
    Keon Joel
    Keon Joel
    Henry Penzi
    Henry Penzi
    • Hank Pensy
    Jon Camero
    Jon Camero
    • Classy Jazz Club Patron
    Carter Burch
    Carter Burch
    • Maverick
    Rigan Machado
    Rigan Machado
    • Ralph
    Katie Page
    Katie Page
    • Jessica Rabbit
    John Machado
    John Machado
    • Joey
    Draper Wynston
    Draper Wynston
    • Oscar
    Robert Johnson
    Robert Johnson
    • Officer Murphy
    Kailyn Machado
    Kailyn Machado
    • Susie Cakes
    • Director
      • Derek Presley
    • Writer
      • Derek Presley
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews10

    7.0113
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    Featured reviews

    10johnm-98

    Excellent Film!

    What a great indie film! I felt like I was watching a John Cassavetes film, it was so good. It's a story of the inner struggle of a man trying to make his way in a world where things seem to be against him at every turn. The twists and turns that take him thru a very long night are at times drama and at times comedic. The cast is spot on, especially Billy, the piano playing central character. The folks he interacts with during the film are all memorable in there own way.

    This film is complete departure from what is being churned out by the big studios, and offers something unique to the viewer. Highly recommend!
    9SamB-040

    A Gritty, Gripping Indie Gem

    This indie film plays out like a modern-day Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Minute by minute, you feel like you're in Sebastian's shoes, digging deeper into trouble with no clear way out. The tension escalates with precision, turning what starts as a slow burn into a relentless thrill ride.

    It's hard to look away. Every twist left me wondering what could possibly happen next. Just when you think the story has reached its peak, it tightens the screws even more. The pacing is sharp, the performances are raw, and the direction keeps you hooked without ever feeling forced.

    A must-watch for anyone who craves gritty, character-driven thrillers with style and soul.
    8jeramismc

    Great film!

    Billy as a struggling piano player, Lori as his sick sister. I found the performance from Billy to be spectacular! This was a dark journey into what one person will do to take care of an owed debt when the world is stacking everything it has against him and he has a lot to learn about himself along the way.

    This is a different film that really separates itself from what I'm seeing released today. It definitely takes on a unique flavor of cinema that should be applauded!

    Congratulations to all of those involved. Very creative script.

    I'm looking forward to a second viewing soon!

    Give it a watch for sure!
    10HunterH-05

    Must see this original film!

    Billy is the endearing piano player who can't seem to catch a break and I found myself both loving/hating how he got himself in this tight spot! I thought his performance was incredible, he carried the whole film spectacularly, and the supporting cast is also quite enjoyable. As both a local Texan, and a film buff, I especially loved the unique location of the flavorful Dallas West Elm district as the seedy underbelly birthing all this incredible drama. Bravo to all involved, from the creative script, to the talented actors, the amazing production crew, and the brilliant producers for creating this must-see amazing film!
    10will-clarke

    Gritty, creative, and deeply human

    Billy follows the harrowing journey of a struggling piano player trying to care for his terminally ill sister, Lori. What unfolds is a dark, emotionally charged exploration of how far someone will go to pay off a debt when life has pushed them to the edge.

    The lead performance is outstanding-raw, vulnerable, and utterly compelling. Billy's descent into desperation is portrayed with nuance and intensity, and the film doesn't shy away from asking difficult questions about morality, sacrifice, and identity.

    In an era where many films feel formulaic, Billy dares to be different. It brings a unique cinematic tone and vision that sets it apart. Gritty, creative, and deeply human, this is a film that lingers.

    Kudos to the entire team for delivering something so original. The script is sharp, the direction confident, and the storytelling refreshingly bold.

    Related interests

    James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in Les Soprano (1999)
    Crime
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Cho Yeo-jeong in Parasite (2019)
    Thriller

    Storyline

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    FAQ12

    • When was Tonic released?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 19, 2025 (France)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Tonic Film website
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Deep Ellum City, Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas, USA
    • Production company
      • Muscular Puppy
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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