Win At All Costs: ‘Marty Supreme’ Review

Some films stick with you long after you leave the theater. Like a kernel in your teeth, you continue to think about every aspect of the film, hoping to glean one more insightful nugget that helps put the whole thing together. ‘Marty Supreme’ is that film and then some. The film is exceptionally audacious and pure adrenaline-laden chaos.

My genuine first reaction to this film was “it’s good, but not great”…and then I sat with it, marinating the film in my brain as I slept. By the morning after, my perspective had completely changed. ‘Marty Supreme’ is one of the best films of the year. Josh Safdie crafted an absolute spectacle led by a transcendent Timothée Chalamet. ‘Marty Supreme’ is about to receive a lot of hardware this awards season.

Marty Mauser is one of the best ping pong players in the world. A fact he is very astutely aware of. Stopping at nothing to make it to the Tokyo Ping Pong championship and make his name in the world of professional sports, Marty swindles, hustles, and sweet-talks absolutely every person he encounters. What ensues can only be described as two and a half hours of pure explosive chaos. ‘Marty Supreme’ pushes the accelerator through the floorboard from the word “go.” It’s like ‘Heat,’ ‘Karate Kid,’ and ‘Whiplash’ had a self-assured narcissistic baby with ADHD.

Soundtrack of the Year

Who knew that Tears for Fears worked in a film set in 1952?

Josh Safdie.

Josh Safdie knew and, boy, did it ever. The heartbeat of ‘Marty Supreme is its score and soundtrack. It drives the movie forward, accenting the onscreen chaos with an infectious 1980’s dance beat. Safdie’s decision to score ‘Marty Supreme’ like a John Hughes film adds a unique element that fuels the fast-paced nature of the film. The film would arguably be less chaotic had ‘That’s Alright’ played instead of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World.’ It would completely change the tempo of the scene.

With the complement of the score, the setting, and, by virtue of the brilliant camera work, the cinematography melded together to add fuel to the fire that is ‘Marty Supreme.’ The score doesn’t match the setting, putting the audience immediately off kilter. That level of unease never allows the audience to get fully comfortable, helping to feed the onscreen chaos. The costume department, as well as composer Daniel Lopatin, will most assuredly receive nominations for their work, if not, the awards themselves.

A Perfectly Cast Film

There are zero likeable characters in ‘Marty Supreme.’ Kay Stone is about as close to amiable as you can get, but the presence of unlikable characters actually works for the film as opposed to detracting from it as it may have in other films. The character’s shortcomings, put on full display, create and drive the momentum of the film forward. They are the support are the fuel. Marty is the spark.

The characters would be nothing but empty shells if not for the electric performances from the cast. Timothée Chalamet really meant it at the Oscars when he said he was only getting started. This is by far his best performance. From his sneering smile to the way he convinces people to do whatever it is he wants, Marty is brought to life by a transcendent Chalamet. Dude was on a whole different level than we’ve seen many actors in the last decade, let alone last year.

Read More: ‘As You Wish’: The Legacy of Rob Reiner

Chalamet is complemented by a talented support cast that includes Gwenyth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, and Sandra Bernhard. Tyler Okonma, better known as Tyler, the Creator, makes the most of his onscreen debut. I can’t wait to see more of him in what is hopefully the near future. Kevin O’Leary, also in his first role, spars with Chalamet masterfully. The work from the supporting cast in ‘Marty Supreme’ is second to none, perfectly matching the intensity set by Chalamet.

Final Thoughts:

‘Marty Supreme’ is pure chaos. After giving the film the time it deserved to digest, ‘Marty Supreme’ ranks near the top of the list of films released in 2025. The adrenaline-fueled train wreck the film takes you on is best experienced and not read about. ‘Marty Supreme’ is a must-see this holiday season.

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