It has happened. The day has finally arrived in the UK. Marty Supreme Boxing Day. I had to ensure I abandoned my family over the festive period to attend this event that has had a hook on me through its ubiquitous marketing for months. I have been unbelievably excited for this film and it certainly did not let me down.
The film marks Josh Safdie’s solo directorial debut. Previously, he was best known for working alongside his brother, Benny Safdie, as part of the filmmaking duo known as the Safdie Brothers. The two have since gone their separate ways, each creating their own sports biographical films- Benny directing The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson, and Josh helming Marty Supreme.
Marty Supreme is loosely inspired by the life of legendary ping-pong player Marty Reisman, though it is not a strict biographical film. The movie stars Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser, an ambitious ping-pong player who dreams big and is determined to make it as a professional athlete. Throughout his journey, he faces numerous obstacles and challenges, forcing him to push through setbacks in pursuit of his goals.
As I sit down to write this review, my heart is still pounding from the sheer thrill of the film. From start to finish, it takes the audience on a relentless, exhilarating ride. The direction and storytelling are so tightly crafted that the film never misses a beat, barely allowing a moment to breathe across its 150-minute runtime. Much like Safdie’s previous works, Uncut Gems and Good Time, the film maintains the same high-energy pacing and nerve-wracking intensity that defines his style.
The film feels like an instant classic. Its cinematography and color grading give it a distinctly old-school aesthetic, transporting viewers to 1950s New York, London, and Japan. This visual style is elevated even further by an incredible score that feels almost weightless, paired with a brilliantly curated soundtrack. Together, these elements create a film that is not only immersive but endlessly rewatchable—one that audiences will find themselves returning to time and time again.
The casting is, quite frankly, perfect- and I do not use that word lightly. Odessa A’zion is an exciting young talent who audiences will undoubtedly be keeping their eyes on. She commands every scene she appears in, bringing a genuine brightness and presence to the film. Gwyneth Paltrow’s return to the screen is equally remarkable. It’s been some time since she’s taken on a role like this, which feels especially fitting given that she plays a former movie star attempting to revive her acting career. Seeing her back on screen is an absolute joy.
Another standout is Tyler, The Creator as Wally, a taxi driver and close friend of Marty. He is incredibly engaging to watch, and as someone already familiar with his work in music, it was exciting to see him step into acting—and he more than delivers.
Of course, the standout performance belongs to Timothée Chalamet. Throughout the film’s press tour, he has faced some backlash for what some have described as a “cocky” attitude, but that confidence feels intentional and in good spirit, especially given that the film centres on striving for greatness. Chalamet is an actor who fully embodies his characters, even beyond the screen, and while he is often typecast as charming and likable, his portrayal of Marty Mauser subverts those expectations. I often found myself disliking Marty, yet somehow still rooting for him. Chalamet captures the character’s ambition and relentless drive so effectively that by the time the credits rolled, the emotional impact was undeniable.
One aspect I found myself wanting more of was the dynamic between Tyler’s character and Marty. While their relationship felt underdeveloped overall, the moments they did share on screen were undeniably compelling and commanding. At times, the film’s pacing and structure felt slightly messy, though this ultimately worked in its favour. The disjointedness reflected the chaos of Marty’s circumstances and inner turmoil.
I also appreciated the contrast between these rougher, more frantic sequences and the meticulously crafted ping-pong scenes. That contrast heightened tension and anticipation, making the matches even more engaging and impactful.
Overall, Marty Supreme is a rollercoaster of a film. I truly appreciate how much anticipation it has generated, encouraging audiences to return to cinemas at a time when many films are struggling. The excitement surrounding the film is undeniable= the screening I attended was completely sold out, which genuinely moved me, as it’s something I haven’t experienced in a long time. Bravo to Josh Safdie and Timothée Chalamet for delivering not only an excellent film, but also an outstanding press tour that helped make this cinematic moment feel special.
Marty Supreme is now out in limited cinemas across the UK and releases widely on New Years Day
Megan Hilborne (Instagram: meghillbilly) is a freelance writer and film critic based in Portsmouth. She graduated with a degree in Film in 2020 and has continued her study of the medium in her day-to-day life. She takes particular interest in indie, horror, feminist and queer cinema.
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