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Tonic

  • 2025
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
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
    7.2/10
    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
    Vernon Davis
    Vernon Davis
    • Ricky Donahue
    Billy Blair
    Billy Blair
    • Sebastian Poe
    Luke Barnett
    Luke Barnett
    • Paulo Deville
    Ammie Masterson
    Ammie Masterson
    • Jane
    Jon Camero
    Jon Camero
    • Classy Jazz Club Patron
    Henry Penzi
    Henry Penzi
    • Hank Pensy
    Robert Johnson
    Robert Johnson
    • Officer Murphy
    Carter Burch
    Carter Burch
    • Maverick
    Katie Page
    Katie Page
    • Jessica Rabbit
    Rigan Machado
    Rigan Machado
    • Ralph
    John Machado
    John Machado
    • Joey
    Jennifer Marie
    Jennifer Marie
    • Jaspers Girlfriend
    Kyle Fuller
    Kyle Fuller
    • Diner
    Andres Maximiliano Chavarria
    • Jazz Club Patron
    • Director
      • Derek Presley
    • Writer
      • Derek Presley
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews10

    7.2113
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    Featured reviews

    9LewisR-81

    A Film that Deserves More Recognition

    It reminded me of Good Times (possibly mixed with some Charles Bukowski) while also remaining unique as well as entertaining through and through. I found it darkly humorous in a refreshing way. I'm not sure if it was the writer / director's intent (the same person), but it manages to satirize the human condition (my interpretation) without being self-indulgent about it. It's nice to watch a film that was made for more than the sake of the "bottom line." Unlike most movies, I don't feel like it didn't waste my time.

    I look forward to seeing more work from Derek Presley in the (hopefully near) future.
    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!
    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!
    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.
    7charlesstoppard

    Tonic is good. Fawesome is Ok

    Admittedly a friend of my husband's is in this film and they made it in Deep Ellum, Dallas. I thought the acting was amazing. The shots were great too and it was so good to see Dallas represented on the screen.

    I laughed out loud a bunch and I loved the old movie feel. It felt like an old movie but still fast paced.

    My only one thing to say would be that the App it is on was a little weird. Good quality but lots of ads. And it was difficult to navigate.

    Overall I loved the film and I didn't really expect to and I was definitely caught off guard when I laughed during inappropriate times. I'd definitely recommend and hope this comes out to other platforms.

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    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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