Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme Premieres: A Hyper-Kinetic Sports Epic

The new film Marty Supreme premieres globally on December 25. Directed by Josh Safdie, it stars Timothée Chalamet as a 1950s ping pong prodigy. This marks Safdie’s first solo feature film project without his brother and collaborator Benny.

The movie is a genre-bending sports comedy and character study. It follows the cocky Marty Mauser’s relentless quest for table tennis glory. Early reviews describe it as an exhilarating and madly idiosyncratic cinematic experience.

A Scrappy, Stylish Ode to Ambition

The film is a vibrant reimagining of 1950s New York City. According to industry reporting, Safdie and co-writer Ronald Bronstein drew loose inspiration from real-life table tennis sensation Marty Reisman. The story is fictional but pulses with authentic period energy.

Chalamet’s performance is described as physically relentless and motormouthed. His character, Marty, uses sheer chutzpah and self-belief to grift his way from a Lower East Side shoe shop to international tournaments. The supporting cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, The Creator, and Fran Drescher.

Signature Safdie Chaos with a New Beat

The filmmaking carries the adrenalized, chaotic rhythm familiar from Uncut Gems. Cinematographer Darius Khondji and production designer Jack Fisk create a densely textured world. The casting emphasizes unique faces, lending the film a street-photography realism.

A major conversation point is the audacious, era-spanning soundtrack. Daniel Lopatin’s score mixes with needle drops from Tears for Fears and Peter Gabriel. This anachronistic approach fortifies the theme of a dreamer violently barreling toward the future.

The premiere of Marty Supreme solidifies Josh Safdie’s distinct directorial voice. This kinetic portrait of ambition is set to be a major year-end cinematic event.

Thought you’d like to know

When is *Marty Supreme* released?

The film is scheduled for a global premiere on December 25. This is a traditional holiday slot for major award-season releases.

How is it different from *Uncut Gems*?

While equally frenetic, it trades modern diamond district anxiety for 1950s period stylization. It blends sports comedy with a picaresque character odyssey across several continents.

Is the story based on a true story?

The screenplay is fictional. The writers drew loose inspiration from the life of mid-century table tennis player Marty Reisman, known for his showmanship and efforts to popularize the sport.

What is the film’s runtime?

*Marty Supreme* has a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes. It is rated R for language, some sexual content, and brief violence.

Who else stars in the film?

The ensemble includes Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, and Abel Ferrara. Real-world ping pong champions also appear, playing themselves or fictional competitors in the tournament sequences.