Critics hail ‘Marty Supreme’ as Chalamet’s best work yet

‘Marty Supreme’ Review Embargo Lifts With Overwhelming Critical Acclaim

The review embargo for Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” lifted on December 1, 2025, with critics delivering near-unanimous praise for the ping-pong drama that positions Timothée Chalamet as a frontrunner in the upcoming awards season. The A24 release has secured a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 9.40 out of 10, alongside a 93 on Metacritic.screenrant

The film marks Safdie’s first solo directorial effort since 2008’s “The Pleasure of Being Robbed,” following his creative split from brother Benny. Critics are hailing it as his most accomplished work to date, with many drawing comparisons to the Safdie brothers’ 2019 hit “Uncut Gems” while noting its distinctly more commercial appeal.worldofreel

Chalamet’s Career-Defining Performance

Reviewers consistently cite Chalamet’s portrayal of Marty Mauser—a brash 1950s table tennis hustler loosely inspired by real champion Marty Reisman—as the best of his career. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich called it “one of the most monumental performances of the 21st century,” while RogerEbert.com awarded the film a perfect four out of four stars, with critic Brian Tallerico describing Safdie’s direction as “propulsive drama”.indiewire

The Hollywood Reporter noted Chalamet’s transformation through prosthetic blemishes and makeup, which allows him to embody an “unglamorous” character who is “frequently anything but lovable”. SlashFilm’s Chris Evangelista gave the film a perfect 10 out of 10, stating, “This is unquestionably the best performance of Timothée Chalamet’s career”.hollywoodreporter

The film’s supporting cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, and Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary in his dramatic acting debut, also received widespread acclaim. Critics praised casting director Jennifer Venditti’s work assembling over 100 speaking roles that blend professional actors with street casting.deadline

Oscar Buzz and Holiday Release

With awards season heating up, “Marty Supreme” is positioning itself as a major contender across multiple categories. The film will open in limited 70mm engagements in New York and Los Angeles on December 18, with nationwide release following on Christmas Day. Cinematographer Darius Khondji shot the film on 35mm using vintage anamorphic lenses, with the 70mm presentation designed to create “a more immersive, larger-scale experience”.imdb

Attendees of the early 70mm screenings will receive exclusive limited-edition posters and official Marty Supreme championship table tennis balls. The film had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival in October, where early social media reactions signaled strong awards potential.deadline

Time magazine offered one of the few dissenting voices, with critic Stephanie Zacharek describing the film as “hollow” and “exhausting,” though she acknowledged Chalamet’s commitment to the role.time