For a long time, few films have had the level of chaos, charisma, and craft as there was in “Marty Supreme” (2025). Directed by Josh Safdie, the film turns a dubious mid-century world of ping-pong, circus games, and table tennis into a high-stakes battlefield for the male ego, ambition, and self-destruction. What could have been a quirky period piece is, in fact, a hard-driving character study that stars Timothée Chalamet in one of his most electric performances.
Staged in the smoky backrooms and neon-lit clubs of 1950s New York, “Marty Supreme” tracks the fortunes of hotshot ping-pong sensation Marty Mauser, whose gift for table tennis is only matched by his own taste for risk. Chalamet embodies Marty with wiry focus—he is a combination of a showman, gambler, and a dreamer, as the movie’s tagline is “Dream Big.” He is a guy who thinks he has been put on this earth for great things, despite all the conflict and evidence to the contrary.
The film takes inspiration from real-life table tennis star Marty Reisman, but Safdie’s version feels more like a legend or myth than a biography. Marty fits into the Safdie universe as well: he is flawed, captivating, and constantly one bad decision away from disaster.
Josh Safdie utilizes his signature filmmaking style—kinetic pacing and camera work, packed tension, and high intensity action—with a surprisingly thick layer of emotional clarity. The film’s 2 hours and 30 minute length hardly ever slows, yet it never feels cluttered. Instead, it executes excellently in favor of Marty’s own spiraling obsession with his passion.
The cinematography in this picture was truly one of the most remarkable highlights of the entire project. Cinematographer Darius Khondji buries the film in a nostalgic warmth, providing the old, authentic era of the 1950s. The tennis table matches were truly outstanding as well, shot with fast and sporadic camera movements to track the ball as the game is played in its intense, fast-paced style.
“Marty Supreme” is a film about obsession, identity, and drive. It explores the stories told to justify one’s dreams, reminding the audience to “Dream Big.” Chalamet’s performance was well done, with an interesting modern twist on the character. The film’s energy is infectious; whether you enjoy sports, dramas, character studies, or overall well-made filmmaking, “Marty Supreme” deserves its time in the spotlight.