Birth. Death. Crime. Table tennis. It’s not quite the combination of topics that one would expect to make a phenomenal movie, but Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme has proven otherwise.
Starring Timothée Chalamet alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O’Leary, Fran Drescher, Odessa A’zion, and Tyler, the Creator, Marty Supreme has become the highest-grossing A24 film in the U.S., according to Variety. Before its release, most people only knew two things about this film: ping pong and Timothée Chalamet. Rather than relying on traditional trailers, the film’s success was driven by its unconventional marketing: celebrities wearing Marty Supreme jackets, an orange blimp floating overhead, and Chalamet hosting a table tennis tournament.
The film follows Marty Mauser, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, a smug, self-obsessed narcissist and 1950s table tennis player who repeatedly lands himself in trouble. From start to finish, there isn’t a dull moment. “This movie was go-go-go, high anxiety from start to finish…overstimulating in the best sense possible,” exclaimed Ramapo math teacher Mrs. Vitale. “I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know!” The cast and score were amazing!” added Ramapo junior Lilly Mulhern. “Marty Supreme was definitely my favorite movie of 2025. I loved how fast-paced it was; there was never a moment where I felt bored!”
Although Mauser is objectively an egotist, you can’t help but cheer him on by the end of the film. It’s the moral dilemma that’s plagued the internet since its release: can you really identify with a protagonist who is willing to destroy himself, and everyone around him, to achieve his dreams? Marty Mauser isn’t supposed to be a role model. If anything, he’s far from it. Still, his ambition and relentless drive are infectious. You cringe as he humiliates himself and ruins the lives of those around him. It isn’t until the end that he partially redeems himself. Marty Supreme is exactly the kind of film that keeps you thinking after the credits roll.
Although the film is set in the ‘50s, the soundtrack anachronistically consists of ‘80s hits like Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” Peter Gabriel’s “I Have the Touch,” Tears for Fear’s “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” as well as New Order’s “The Perfect Kiss.” The synthpop music reflects the film’s high energy, maintaining an energetic mood in the face of constant adversity.
Marty Supreme is an exhilarating ride defined by hardship and determination, and with awards season on the horizon, it is most definitely destined to make its mark among the standout films of 2025.
