Bold claim: Marty Supreme could redefine the year at the cinema, and critics are already buzzing about an awards-worthy run for Timothée Chalamet.
The A24-backed feature, directed by Josh Safdie (the team behind Uncut Gems and Good Time) who also co-wrote with Ronald Bronstein, follows Marty Mauser—a natural hustler and gifted ping-pong player inspired by real-life table tennis champ Marty Reisman. After a surprise debut at the New York Film Festival last fall, the film has rocketed to a 95% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, as of this week. Beyond general praise, Chalamet’s performance is drawing serious Oscar chatter. He has long trained to master the sport for the role.
Opening in theaters on December 25, Marty Supreme stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, The Creator, Kevin O’Leary, Fran Drescher, and Odessa A’zion. The movie blends genres into a high-energy experience that critics describe as a sports comedy, a lean character study, and a vivid evocation of 1950s New York City.
David Rooney, THR’s chief film critic, captures the film as a genre-defying whirlwind that combines elements of Uncut Gems and Catch Me If You Can, while offering a kinetic portrait of a man in constant motion. He even calls the film a world-class, sensory ride that transcends typical “wild ride” clichés. Paltrow’s turn is highlighted as among her best, portraying a trophy wife who has traded personal fulfillment for material security, delivering a melancholy, refined grace reminiscent of her Royal Tenenbaums performance.
The New York Post’s Johnny Oleksinski lauds the movie as cinematic Mountain Dew—an exhilarating, funny, and heartfelt sprint to the top that immerses viewers in Marty’s ambitious ascent and a convincingly authentic 1950s Manhattan ensemble.
Critics from The Independent praise Chalamet’s commanding presence, likening him to early New Hollywood stars and noting the intimate close-ups that reveal a vulnerability similar to Pacino’s iconic era. BBC’s Caryn James stresses that Marty Supreme is as engaging offscreen as onscreen, praising its freshness, humor, and momentum despite any off-screen debates about the actor’s past projects. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw emphasizes that the film isn’t a conventional sports movie; instead, it mirrors the rhythm and excitement of ping-pong itself, with Chalamet delivering a live-wire energy fueled by rage and self-pity.
Empire’s Jamie Graham highlights the film’s ensemble energy, with Chalamet’s star power balancing the film’s bustling New York atmosphere. He notes that the moment accompanied by Tears For Fears’ Everybody Wants to Rule the World could signal a potential Oscar-winning stride for the actor, who has openly pursued greatness and national recognition.
If this review roundup is any indicator, Marty Supreme isn’t just a strong year-end release—it’s positioned to be a defining title of the awards season. As audiences prepare to see it in theaters, the central question remains: will Timothée Chalamet’s performance win broad acclaim and a best-actor nomination, or will conversations diverge about the film’s provocative blend of sport, hustle, and history? Share your take in the comments: do you buy the hype, or do you think the film’s ambitious blend overshadows its flaws?"}
