The thought of watching a movie about a man who wants to be the face of table tennis in the 1950s might not sound like the most exciting experience, but this is far more than just that. Marty Supreme is from director Josh Safdie, part of the Safdie brothers who brought us the intense Uncut Gems, and if you thought that film was anxiety-inducing, then think again. This is a roller-coaster journey of unstoppable unpredictability that will have you shattered by the end.

Marty Mauser is a young man with a dream. He wants to be recognised as the face of table tennis. With his ambitions through the roof, he is willing to do anything to get there, but on his journey to that goal, he finds himself going through hell and back to reach the heights that he desires.

Josh Safdie, who co-wrote the script, has delivered a film that, on the surface, looks like an interesting take set in a post-war era of American history. Inspired by a real player of the game, this is an original piece about how ambition can push us to our limits. Marty is a young man brimming with attitude and bordering on narcissism. He is not a likeable character.

However, we follow Marty’s road to getting to the World’s championships, as he stampedes over anyone and everyone who tries to stop him. Yet he refuses defeat, whether it be at the table or in life. Along the way, he gets involved in so many issues, it would probably crush anyone who isn’t this ambitious, from being involved with a former Hollywood star who happens to be married to a billionaire who could help his career, a longing for money which he finds himself constantly in trouble, and the possibility that he could be the father to a child bringing to a married best friend.

At two and a half hours, Safdie keeps the tension building as each episode in Marty’s road to success is faced with the same arrogance. It’s like the man doesn’t get affected by anything, and he is willing to be as obnoxious and often inappropriate as he can be, just to get his way. While that tension is building, you find yourself siding with this ping pong player and get caught up in his plight.

The Safdies like to side with the anti-hero, as shown by Adam Sandler’s character in Uncut Gems, and even when the pair decided to make their own movies, brother Benny took on the mixed martial arts star Mark Kerr, as played by Dwayne Johnson in the underrated The Smashing Machine. Marty is another in that line of leads who you shouldn’t be supporting, yet Josh is skilled enough to make us like him, even though we know we shouldn’t.

What also helps is the film’s look, which captures the 50s with style. However, the soundtrack is made up of 80s synth-pop, with the likes of Tears for Fears and Alphaville playing, which can be confusing at first, but it’s like the songs are playing in Marty’s head.

The cast is exceptional and works well as a unit. Notorious film director Abel Ferrara, who gave us Driller Killer and Bad Lieutenant, appears as a slightly deranged and dangerous man, whom Marty gets caught up with, while real-life businessman Kevin O’Leary relishes playing Milton Rockwell, the man who could help with Marty’s career.

Returning to the screen after a long absence, Gwyneth Paltrow delivers as Kay Stone, the actress who falls for Marty’s charms. Yet this is a film that has to be held together by one man, Timothee Chalamet, and he succeeds enormously. He has enough charm and screen charisma to make even the most unlikeable character one to cheer for. He excels with energy and pure arrogance. It’s one of the young star’s best roles and could put him in line for major awards.

Marty Supreme may be too intense for some to handle, and if you think it’s just about table tennis, you are very much mistaken. This is a fast-moving nail-biter that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

4 out of 5

Director: Josh Safdie

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’Zion, Tyler The Creator, Kevin O’Leary, Abel Ferrara, Fran Deescher, Sandra Bernhard, Ralph Colucci, Luke Manley

Written by: Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein

Running Time: 150 mins

Cert: 15

Release date: 26th December 2025