Stylish, propulsive, entirely absorbing - and that’s just the incredible table tennis sequences. Marty Supreme is a frenetic masterwork of a filmmaker operating in total control of orchestrated cinematic chaos. This is an epic odyssey of one man’s pursuit of greatness by any means necessary. Supreme doesn’t quite do this movie justice, because Josh Safdie has just delivered a future classic.
This is A LOT of movie, and I don’t just mean the two and a half hour runtime. It’s constantly in motion - stressful, chaotic and exhausting in all the right ways. The pacing moves swiftly, telling a story that rarely gives the characters (or the audience for that matter) time to breathe. It’s packed the Safdies’ signature anxiety inducing energy, but it’s also way more fun to watch than their previous films. Even as you’re watching so many things go wrong and fall out of alignment for Marty, there’s this undeniably infectious charisma the film exudes at any given moment. It’s oddly charming amongst the constant havoc it’s putting its titular character through.
That charm is due in large part to Timothée Chalamet, who in a run of what could be called career defining performances, adds another to that list. Marty is ambitious to a fault - selfish, conceited, condescending and often cruel to those around him. what he isn’t though, is unlikable, thanks to the way Chalamet channels and portrays those toxic characteristics. He plays the role with an intoxicating arrogance that transforms Marty into someone with unlikely yet undeniable charm. It’s fun seeing Marty flounder, but you want to see him win in life because of Timmy’s incredible screen presence. The decision to cast non-actors in many of the supporting roles leads to performances that come across as natural rather than showy. Kevin O’Leary is an unlikeable, ruthless business man in real life, so it’s easy to buy him as that kind of person in the movie. Odessa A’zion is terrific as Rachel, and although Marty often brushes off their chemistry, the two characters are magnetic whenever they share a scene.
Bold might not be the first word that would come to mind when talking about a ping pong movie, but Marty Supreme is all kinds of bold. Safdie’s direction is tight and controlled, yet kinetic and just plain fun. The editing is flawless, leading to a long movie that I didn’t once feel the runtime of. I did check my watch a few times, but it was because I was having such a blast and didn’t want the movie to end. The production design is exceptional, really pulling you into locations that feel gritty and lived in. The use of licensed ‘80s music as well as Daniel Lopatin’s gorgeous, synth heavy score shouldn’t work in a film set in the ‘50s, but it fits like a glove. It’s just one of many fascinating choices Josh Safdie made that give this movie such a unique voice of its own.
Like a bright orange ping pong ball against a white background, Marty Supreme truly stands out among the crowd. Led by Timothee Chalamet’s Oscar worthy performance and energized by Josh Safdie’s remarkable directorial vision, this is a serious contender for best film of 2025.
Rating: ★★★★★
Review by: Benjamin Garrett