After coming off his competitive Oscar run for the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” Timothée Chalamet sets his sights on greatness in this ping-pong-themed action sports-drama.
Chalamet and director Josh Safdie’s collaboration comes after the split of the Safdie Brothers, best known for “Uncut Gems” (2019), as they both went to direct their own feature films in 2025.
Benny Safdie, after the split, pivoted towards the wrestling scene, where he worked with Dwayne Johnson on “The Smashing Machine,” and was met with mediocre critical and audience reactions — the same can not be said for his older brother Josh, with “Marty Supreme.”
“Marty Supreme” loosely follows Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet) as he fights his way to the top of the newly popular sport of ping-pong in 1950s New York City. Marty is an ambitious and charismatic man; however, his talent-backed cockiness puts him in often treacherous situations. Whether that be with his cab driver friend Wally (Tyler, the Creator) or his recently pregnant childhood best friend and mother of his child, Rachel (Odessa A’zion).
Even though Marty is socially intertwined with many people around the city, he is still constantly trying to succeed on his own, refusing to accept help from the many family members and friends who offer their support.
Marty’s fame as one of the premier American players brings him across the globe. However, his stay in London might be the most impactful. At his hotel, he meets the aging Hollywood star Kay Stone (Gwenyth Paltrow) and her economically influential husband Milton Rockwell (Kevin O’Leary).
After just one glance, Marty is drawn to Kay and will stop at nothing to meet with her, reflecting his all-consuming desire for perfection and to attain the unattainable. Through many hotel phone calls, Marty wins over a dubious Kay and convinces her to attend his match the following day.
Plot aside, this film is truly unlike anything from the Safdies’ prior work. Although it maintains the trademark rawness and stress, it offers a more refined look and style. After seeing the film, one couldn’t help but be reminded of the Coen Brothers (Joel and Ethan); their trademarks of perfectly timed dialogue, out-of-the-blue violence and eccentric side characters are shown in full force in “Marty Supreme.” Josh Safdie’s vision makes for a film that feels rooted in his filmmaking roots, but also far better than anything he could’ve made with his little brother Ben.
Another important thing to note is the unconventional casting and filmmaking choices made for this production. Notably, the casting of Shark Tank alum Kevin O’Leary stands out as one of the most surprising acting performances from the film. The inclusion of Tyler, the Creator is also as spectacular as it is shocking, as the artist twists his persona and humour ever so slightly to fit seamlessly into 1950s New York.
The most shocking aspect of “Marty Supreme” is the soundtrack. Early on, the audience is shown and told that the film takes place during the early 1950s, but in a wild turn of events, the film only uses songs from the 80s. Most notably, Alphaville’s 1984 song “Forever Young,” as well as a-ha’s 1985 one-hit wonder, “Take on Me.” The unique soundtrack is yet another creative choice that places the world of “Marty Supreme” in an ambiguous setting.
I can see many more nominations being doled out on Oscar nominations morning. I see Safdie getting into both original screenplay as well as director, and either Paltrow or A’zion for supporting actress.
While Marty Supreme’s theatrical release isn’t until Christmas Day, it’s the film to watch out for in the coming weeks. This is far and away Chalamet's best performance to date, and maybe enough to finally win his long-overdue and incredibly sought-after Academy Award.
This article was edited by Alfie Pritchard, Jessica Ackerman. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Arin Burrell, Andrew Kummeth and Ryan Sieve.
