Like last year, we have an end-of-year film release starring Timothée Chalamet that has generated significant awards buzz before its public release. This film has been in development for many years, including Chalamet learning and playing table tennis since 2018. He has also personally funded and designed customized, logoed merchandise, much of which he has worn during promotional interviews. I am, of course, referring to Marty Supreme.
The story is inspired by Marty “The Needle” Reisman, who sought to bring greater recognition to table tennis, or ping pong, in the United States. The audience is introduced to Marty Mauser, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, in his early twenties—confident, self-assured, and convinced that his life will unfold exactly as he envisions, regardless of outside opinions or real-world obstacles. The film follows a chaotic period of less than a year in his life as he pursues international table tennis competitions. The timeline is dictated by an underlying subplot with a fixed number of months, which results in several secondary storylines feeling unrealistically compressed. While the framework of a cohesive story exists, it is ultimately filled with fragmented moments passed between characters, leaving the audience to process and interpret the experience long after the film ends.
The technical elements that contribute to a successful film—cinematography, set design, costume choices, music selection, and ensemble casting—largely meet expectations for a well-crafted production. From the opening scenes, the time period feels authentic, and the setting of New York City is immediately established. Even the most minor details are carefully considered. While the script and camera focus primarily on central characters, background figures blend seamlessly into each scene, grounding Marty’s raw and impulsive energy. Director Josh Safdie brings a clear vision to his solo directorial debut. He draws on techniques that have proven effective in the past while also experimenting with new ideas.
The framing and camera angles used during the table tennis matches effectively replicate the emotional highs and lows associated with contemporary sports viewing, despite the sport’s smaller fan base. These choices create an immersive sense of being present at the competitions. During a match in Tokyo, the crowd’s emotions are palpable, as is their allegiance to each player.
Chalamet’s portrayal of Marty is convincing, capturing the self-centered nature of a young man in his early twenties who is determined to shape his own destiny at any cost. Rachel, portrayed by Odessa A’zion, has grown up alongside Marty and understands him intimately. She is unafraid to stand her ground and can be subtly manipulative in pursuit of her desires. However, she takes responsibility for her choices and remains aware of their potential consequences. Another key figure is Kay Stone, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, an aging starlet who serves as both mentor and temptress to Marty. She understands who she is and the path that brought her there, though a part of her still clings to youthful dreams left unfulfilled. Marty’s mother, Rachel, portrayed by Fran Drescher, and her neighbor and friend, Judy, played by Sandra Bernhard, are strong female characters who have lived and are doing their best to navigate life.
This only scratches the surface of the extensive cast. Every performer, including those in minor roles such as shoe store shoppers, restaurant cooks, and tournament spectators, contributes meaningfully to the film’s momentum.
The sole element that felt inconsistent with the time period was the music selection. As a child of the 1980s and familiar with the lyrics, I personally appreciated these choices. Alongside Daniel Lopatin’s original score, tracks such as Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” The Korgis’ “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime”, and Queen’s “I Want to Break Free” are featured, among other synth-pop, classic rock, and eclectic selections. Ultimately, the music played a significant role in shaping my overall experience of the film.
This is a polarizing film that will create those that love it and those that do not. As I stated the story/script did not work, and the characters, while reflective of people I have met, are not ones that I want to spend time with. The technical aspects are worthy of paying attention to and making note of on ways to make a good film.
Director: Josh Sadfie
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion
MPAA Rating:
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 2h 30m
Release Date: December 25, 2025
Genre(s): Drama, Sport
Trailer: Marty Supreme trailer
Movie Site: Marty Supreme website
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.