Marty Supreme review: Timothée Chalamet hits new heights in breathless and brilliant ping pong drama

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.

This February, Timothée Chalamet surprised some people during an awards acceptance speech. He stated his ambition to become a legendary performer, and shared that he draws inspiration not only from acting icons like Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis, but also from sports superstars like Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps.

He acknowledged it was strange to discuss acting as a competition, but his recent role – playing a table tennis pro from the 1950s – brilliantly proves his point and solidifies his talent.

In 1952 New York, 23-year-old Marty Mauser works as a charming shoe salesman. He’s juggling a relationship with his girlfriend, Rachel, dealing with coworkers, and pursuing his unlikely dream: becoming a world-class table tennis player. This ambition ultimately leads him to compete in the British Open at Wembley.

The story really takes off from here, maintaining a fast pace as Marty encounters three important new characters: a former movie star played by Gwyneth Paltrow, her wealthy husband (Kevin O’Leary), and Koto Endo, a Japanese table tennis player known for her unusual grip on the paddle.

This isn’t your typical sports movie. Like Challengers focused on the world of professional tennis, this film is more about the drive to achieve the American Dream, with table tennis as the backdrop. Marty is determined to succeed, no matter who gets in his way – even those closest to him. Directed and written by Josh Safdie, who previously made the intense Uncut Gems, this film delivers the same thrilling and energetic experience.

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Inspired by the real-life ping pong player Marty Reisman, the movie is a wild ride across the globe. Timothée Chalamet plays a charismatic con artist involved in crazy schemes – from touring with the Harlem Globetrotters to a stolen dog and even an exploding gas station.

Marty bluntly tells a pregnant Rachel that his life’s ambition actually hinders him. He’s a rising star in the increasingly popular sport of table tennis, but he’s also arrogant and attention-seeking. Once a simple sales clerk known for his persuasive skills – he famously claimed he could sell anything to anyone – he’s now a gifted Jewish player who provocatively refers to himself as “Hitler’s nightmare.”

The character is intentionally unlikeable, and that’s part of what makes the film so compelling. It’s a fascinating, if disturbing, portrait, and you’ll likely find yourself both judging and amused by his actions. Timothée Chalamet delivers a remarkably powerful performance, reminiscent of the confident energy brought to the screen by Tom Cruise in The Color of Money or Robert De Niro’s youthful charisma in Mean Streets.

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Playing a narcissist offers Timothée Chalamet a change of pace after roles like Willy Wonka or Paul Atreides, as his character, Marty, is entirely self-absorbed. Chalamet elevates the performance with his assuredness and surprisingly effective physical humor.

Despite the exciting and frantic energy, the film also features strong performances from its supporting cast. Odessa A’zion stands out as the only person who can reach Marty when his life spirals out of control yet again. Gwyneth Paltrow also delivers a great performance as a struggling actress who isn’t very good at her job.

The film features a mix of professional and non-professional actors, with some surprising and effective casting choices. Musician Tyler, The Creator adds charm as a fellow entrepreneur, cult filmmaker Abel Ferrara plays a convincingly intimidating character, and businessman Kevin O’Leary (known from the Canadian version of Shark Tank) shines as the head of an ink company.

This all contributes to the film’s quirky and rambling narrative. Similar to another well-received American film this year, One Battle After Another, playful and unusual moments help to distract from Marty Supreme’s length.

The movie features fast-paced table tennis matches played under the American flag, which might remind you of the film Forrest Gump. However, this comparison actually highlights how clever and insightful this new film is. While Forrest Gump‘s Tom Hanks represented the hopeful spirit of the 1990s, this film’s main character, Marty Mauser, is a more cynical and flawed reflection of America today.

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2025-12-05 18:05