Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating turn in “Marty Supreme,” bringing both intensity and humor to a challenging lead role that fans and critics are already calling his best yet. The film explores the pursuit of greatness through the lens of table tennis in 1950s New York, making the Timothée Chalamet Marty Supreme performance a standout cinematic event of 2025.
Chalamet’s Striking Portrayal of Marty Mauser Embodies the Drive for Greatness
Earlier this year, when Timothée Chalamet accepted the Screen Actors Guild Award for his role as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” he spoke about striving for excellence and drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, and Viola Davis. Now, with “Marty Supreme” as his first project since making that declaration, Chalamet steps into the shoes of Marty Mauser, a character just as obsessed with destiny and greatness as the actor himself.
“Marty Supreme” introduces audiences to Marty Mauser, a shoe store clerk in early 1950s New York with ambitions that far outsize his humble circumstances. Convinced of his own future stardom in the emerging sport of table tennis, Marty exudes confidence, bravado, and a single-minded sense of purpose. Though he outwardly presents himself as the sport’s next golden boy, his actual life is filled with challenges and contradictions—he still lives with his mother, Rebecca (played by Fran Drescher), deals with her hypochondria, and carries on a complicated affair with his married childhood friend, Rachel Mizler (Odessa A’zion).
Marty’s aspirations propel him beyond his meager beginnings after he quits his job and heads to London for an international table tennis tournament. In the British capital, his swagger both alienates and charms—he upsets tournament officials with his outsize demands but also strikes up a relationship with former actress Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow), who is staying at the same upscale hotel with her businessman husband, Milton Rockwell (Kevin O’Leary). Marty’s arrogance is ultimately justified when he proves himself on the tournament floor, returning home to New York City with heightened determination.
Yet the journey only intensifies upon Marty’s return. In order to reach a crucial tournament in Japan—where he believes he can finally prove his worth—he must scramble for money by any means necessary. This quest leads him into scams with his friend Wally (Tyler Okonma, known as Tyler, the Creator), wild adventures with eccentric dog owners like Abel Ferrara, tense negotiations with Milton, and the ongoing chaos of his relationships with Rachel and Kay. Despite almost insurmountable obstacles, Marty’s relentless drive keeps him moving forward, convinced his moment of greatness is within reach.
Josh Safdie Builds an Unforgettable World Blending Suspense and Sports
Josh Safdie, known for his work on “Uncut Gems,” both directs and co-writes “Marty Supreme,” along with Ronald Bronstein. Safdie skillfully melds elements that might not appear compatible at first glance. The film’s soundtrack cleverly employs anachronistic songs like Alphaville’s “Forever Young” and Tears for Fears’
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
to evoke a 1980s vibe within a 1950s setting, achieving a stylistic synthesis reminiscent of Sofia Coppola’s bold musical choices in “Marie Antoinette.”
With its focus on table tennis, “Marty Supreme” at first appears to follow the classic arc of a sports drama about a rising talent. However, fans of Safdie’s previous films will recognize the signature escalation and unpredictability. The script, written with Bronstein, rapidly transforms the movie into a tense, adrenaline-fueled odyssey that echoes the relentless energy of Adam Sandler’s Howard Ratner in “Uncut Gems.” Each obstacle Marty faces piles on more suspense, building to moments that threaten to spiral completely out of control.
Safdie’s vision for New York leans into both grit and warmth, thanks in part to Darius Khondji’s cinematography. The city’s grime is palpable—a nod to the raw urban realism of “The French Connection,” “Midnight Cowboy,” or early Martin Scorsese films—yet the atmosphere remains inviting. Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) delivers a jarring soundtrack that amplifies every beat of Marty’s adventure, keeping audiences unsettled even as the story barrels forward.
The film does briefly lose some of its pace during the latter part of the second act, but the remarkable structure, humor, and tension ensure that “Marty Supreme” remains a wild, unpredictable ride to the very end. It’s equal parts intense and hilarious, switching between genres with confidence, and showing off Safdie’s knack for building nerve-wracking stories filled with unexpected comedic turns.
Chalamet’s Performance as Marty Sets a New Career High
Much of “Marty Supreme” hinges on Timothée Chalamet’s energetic and multi-layered performance. Chalamet channels the nervous momentum and manic persona often found in Safdie’s protagonists. His portrayal of Marty is both exasperating and deeply charismatic; he moves and speaks with relentless urgency, bordering on abrasive, yet always manages to regain the sympathy—and sometimes the admiration—of those around him.
The role demands that Chalamet show a dazzling range, from riotous comedic timing to quiet subtlety, from heroism to villainy, and from magnetic charm to twisted intensity. Marty Mauser, in Chalamet’s hands, reveals the complexities of a character whose ambition and insecurity are forever entwined. The film offers Chalamet the kind of nuanced role that few actors his age have attempted, and he inhabits it completely.
The synergy between Chalamet and the role is unmistakable. Both the character and the actor are after a similar target: greatness, at any cost. “Marty Supreme” becomes a showcase, capturing every facet of Chalamet’s talent in ways that previous performances have only hinted at.
Odessa A’zion and a Daring Ensemble Bring Marty’s World to Life
While Chalamet’s lead performance commands attention, the film’s supporting cast is just as vital to its energy. Odessa A’zion, in particular, gives a breakthrough performance as Rachel Mizler, Marty’s childhood friend and confidante turned co-conspirator. Rachel’s dynamic with Marty is electric—she challenges him, matches his schemes, and brings emotional layers that elevate the story. When Rachel takes center stage, she proves just as magnetic as Marty himself, and the depth of their friendship-turned-affair resonates throughout the film.
Gwyneth Paltrow also shines as Kay Stone, a former actress whose encounter with Marty reignites her own desires and leads her into an affair. The role marks her first major project outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe in many years, demonstrating once again her talent for roles that mix vulnerability and strength.
Director Safdie curates an ensemble full of unexpected choices that work remarkably well. Tyler, the Creator is memorable as Wally, Marty’s friend and partner in dubious ventures, while Kevin O’Leary, Penn Jillette, Fred Hechinger, Isaac Mizrahi, Géza Röhrig, and Sandra Bernhard round out a cast that feels both chaotic and harmonious. Their diverse backgrounds inject even more unpredictability into Marty’s chaotic rise.
This dynamic cast ensures that Marty’s quest for greatness never feels like a solo pursuit. Each character—no matter how eccentric or unpredictable—contributes to the sense that Marty’s world is both outlandish and grounded, full of risk and reward.
Visuals, Direction, and Music Amplify the Film’s Unrelenting Energy
Behind the intense performances and offbeat storytelling, “Marty Supreme” boasts technical excellence that further elevates the viewing experience. Darius Khondji’s cinematography captures New York with raw authenticity, presenting a cityscape that is both weathered and subtly inviting. His approach evokes classic urban dramas, using light and texture to create visual tension that mirrors the film’s emotional stakes.
The musical choices, from out-of-era pop hits to Daniel Lopatin’s original compositions, propel the story forward and create anachronistic energy that matches Marty’s larger-than-life ambitions. The inclusion of songs like Alphaville’s “Forever Young” and
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
by Tears for Fears adds an atmosphere that is both familiar and disorienting, underscoring the timelessness of the pursuit of athletic and personal greatness.
Director Josh Safdie’s fingerprints are everywhere—from the spirited direction and sharp shifts in tone to the meticulously constructed narrative structure. The stylistic risks and genre-blending pay off; the film is as thrilling as it is moving, and as funny as it is tense.
A Riveting New Sports Classic Set in Unlikely Territory
“Marty Supreme” stands out as one of the most exhilarating and unpredictable sports films of recent years, blending the tense energy of Josh Safdie’s earlier projects with the classic tropes of the underdog genre. The story’s foundation in the lesser-seen world of table tennis adds originality, while the film’s focus on ambition, risk, and self-creation resonates well beyond the specifics of the sport.
The film also nods to real-life inspiration: Marty Reisman, whose rise through New York’s underground table tennis scene in the 1950s informs the fictionalized Marty Mauser’s journey. This mix of historical context and imaginative dramatization brings an additional layer of depth to the narrative, hinting at the thin line between self-invention and myth-making.
Josh Safdie’s reputation for crafting escalating, anxiety-inducing stories is further cemented by this film, and with Chalamet at the helm, “Marty Supreme” offers not only nerve-shredding tension but also moments of genuine levity and surprise. Every supporting player—from Rachel’s sharp-witted resilience to Kay Stone’s vulnerability and Wally’s unpredictable schemes—contributes to a world that is as unpredictable as it is compelling.
Anticipation Grows as ‘Marty Supreme’ Heads to Theaters
“Marty Supreme” officially premieres in theaters on December 25. Early critical reception highlights not only the remarkable Timothée Chalamet Marty Supreme performance but the film’s bold direction, ensemble energy, and genre-defying spirit. Josh Safdie, Darius Khondji, Ronald Bronstein, and Daniel Lopatin—whose previous collaboration on “Uncut Gems” was widely acclaimed—have created a distinctively intense and entertaining film.
With awards buzz already building, particularly around Chalamet and Odessa A’zion, the film is poised to leave a lasting mark as one of 2025’s most memorable releases. Whether viewers are drawn to the raw drama, the sports action, or the complex interplay among characters, “Marty Supreme” promises to keep audiences at the edge of their seats.
As the film takes its place on the end-of-year calendar, attention now turns to its reception among moviegoers. Will the relentless pursuit of greatness—on and off screen—resonate with audiences as deeply as it does with the critics? With such a compelling synergy between cast, direction, and story, “Marty Supreme” seems ready to serve as a new benchmark in sports cinema, and propel Timothée Chalamet even further along his journey toward cinematic greatness.
