Months leading up to Christmas Day, actor Timothee Chalamet was at the head of a press campaign which might have caught your eye. Perhaps it was the “leaked” Zoom video of Chalamet pitching to A24’s marketing team the idea of turning the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower bright orange, or the colorful jackets worn exclusively by athletes and celebrities like Steph Curry, Micheal Phelps and Justin Bieber, each stamped with the words “MARTY SUPREME.” 

All of these moments built towards the release of “Marty Supreme,” the latest film from director Josh Safdie, which hit theatres on Dec. 25, 2025. 

The film is loosely inspired by ping pong player Marty Reisman. Chalamet plays the fictional Marty Mauser, a fast-talking New Yorker and part-time shoe salesman with dreams of becoming a professional table tennis champion. Set in the 1950s, it centers on Mauser’s relentless ambition as he chases greatness amid madness. 

Watching “Marty Supreme” feels like being trapped inside its protagonist’s mind. Safdie’s claustrophobic cinematography and relentless pacing leave little room to breathe. A sense of urgency drives the plot forward. This urgency comes from Marty’s obsessive drive to become the world’s best table tennis player, but every choice, from late-night travels to intense international matches to tight timelines, is on the verge of spiraling out of control. From Marty’s high-pressure ping-pong matches, evading the police because he stole money from his uncle for a plane ticket, the narrative never slows down, which kept me on the edge of my seat. Every frame is designed to fit the aesthetic, from the bright, hardcore orange color to the blending of 1950s period details with modern filmmaking techniques. The film’s bold orange and chrome visuals and immersive camera work make the world feel immediate and tense.

The camera frequently moves in for close-ups during moments of heightened energy, amplifying the nervousness and tension within each scene, whether it’s in a competitive or emotional context. 

The film’s fast-paced nature is reminiscent of another Safdie project, “Uncut Gems,” but I found the intensity of “Marty Supreme” immersive rather than overwhelming. However, the style has been divisive among audiences and critics. While some viewers enjoy this intensity, others find it to be too much.  

Chalamet is the real salesman of this film, fully committed to the role and delivering what may be one of his strongest performances to date. He portrays his character as a man deeply obsessed with the idea of greatness, willing to make any sacrifice necessary in the pursuit of success. I liked how I could feel his character’s drive and frustration, as if it were leaping out to me off the screen. As someone who is also very determined, it was easy to feel the weight of his motivation and the building pressure inside his mind. 

His performance is electric, keeping viewers invested in the havoc of his world. The supporting cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion and Tyler Okonma, complement his intensity and shine in their respective roles.

A moment that stood out to me as striking was the needle drop connection between the opening scene and the ending scene, which all connected so beautifully, and I thought made a perfect ending to the movie. 

The film captures the want for more; the refusal of a life that falls short of one’s ambitions. The pursuit is both literal and metaphorical: from the frenzied table-tennis matches to the scenes where Marty and Wally are physically chased down the road. 

The production design also stood out as a strong element in the film, capturing the spirit of postwar New York. The 1950s-inspired costumes felt very stylish, with outfits such as Marty’s sharp and boxy suits matching his bold personality. My favorite costumes came from the character Rachel, played by A’zion, whose simple garments featured delicate details and patterns that made each outfit stand out. She looked stunning in every scene and caught my eye throughout. 

Despite being set in the 1950s, “Marty Supreme” relies heavily on 1980s music throughout its soundtrack, a choice intended to enhance the film’s themes, including songs like “Forever Young” by Alphaville and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears for the end credits. 

The film has already generated significant buzz for its intense performances and has emerged as an early awards-season contender. Just recently, it took home the award for Best Motion Picture for a Musical or Comedy at the 2026 Golden Globes, with Chalamet scoring the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture for a Musical or Comedy for his role. 

Overall, “Marty Supreme” is hilarious and heartfelt, a wild, entertaining ride that is an engaging watch for viewers who enjoy fast-paced, unconventional, character-driven stories.