After sliding the combination lock delicately into place and swiftly stealing the money, Marty Mauser runs through the streets of New York City with a singular goal. Even when he is held at gunpoint, Marty’s unwavering ambition to become the best table tennis player in the world is never thwarted.
Released to cinemas worldwide on Dec. 25, 2025, Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” was met with much enthusiasm due to its extensive marketing campaign. Inspired by the film’s theme of ambition, catchphrases like “Dream Big” made their way around the internet to hype up the film. While the excitement around the movie was certainly a great hook, and the unexpected action of table tennis keeps it riveting, the film is ultimately held back by its selfish protagonist.
“Marty Supreme” follows aspiring pro table tennis player Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet) as he cons his way to ping pong infamy. After impregnating his married love interest, Rachel (Odessa A’Zion), Marty hustles around New York City, avoiding impending debts, sparking a risky affair with a movie star and diverging from his uncle’s expectations on his path to success. The film is based loosely on the story of ping pong champion Marty Reisman, who became infamous for doing whatever it took to achieve his status.
Through its unique marketing, “Marty Supreme” gave audiences a taste of its chaos before December’s drop. Chalamet and co-stars travelled the world accompanied by ping pong ball-headed bodyguards, all donning their signature Marty Supreme jackets. Many of these jackets were given out to celebrities who “Dream[t] Big,” from Tom Brady to Bill Nye.
While the movie appears serious at first, the press tour’s humour carries on to the film as well. The producers scatter a plethora of hilarious needle drops, from Alphaville’s “Forever Young” during the opening credits to Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” at the very end. These additions contribute to the facetious nature of the film and remind audiences not to take it too seriously.
The film immediately picks up with back-to-back fast-paced action sequences. Marty and his friend Wally (Tyler Okonma) run from ping pong players who they previously scammed and blow up a gas station, and he and Rachel risk their lives to recover an old man’s lost dog. Throughout, “Marty Supreme” never lets go of its nail-biting, adventurous attitude.
Continuous action scenes elicit gasps and giggles, such as when Marty’s bathtub falls through the floor, and when he picks up actress Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow) in his hotel room. There truly never is a dull moment on screen.
Looming over these comedic incidents and thrilling action, though, is Marty’s egocentric choices. He wrongs each and every person who cares about him. He yells at and betrays his parents, who deeply care about his well-being, though they don’t support his dream. Later, right before Rachel’s due date, he leaves the country, only to lose a spot in the championship match. After Kay warms up to him, he uses her for her money and status and leaves her in the dust.
Marty’s ego might seem intriguing, but it makes it impossible to root for his ambition in any way, even though that’s what the film’s plot relies on. Every time Marty makes a wrong decision, the disconnection you feel with his dreams increases. Instead of doing the right thing by caring for his pregnant lover, he only prioritizes his ping pong aspirations, and the conflict between his goals and personal obligations makes his goals seem worthless.
While Marty’s character is absolutely detestable, Chalamet manages to deliver a great performance. His character’s dedication is apparent through the energy he brings to the screen. His ping pong skills are also quite impressive; he trained for six years to prepare for this role. A’Zion also supports Chalamet well through Marty’s crazy excursions. She perfectly portrays Rachel’s complex and unpredictable character.
Overall, “Marty Supreme” is full of fun, invigorating action scenes, but they are clouded over by Marty’s self-obsessed attitude that never develops throughout the film. If you want a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time, this is for you, but don’t expect to develop fondness for any characters.
