“Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet, was one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Hot off the heels of the esteemed 2019 film “Uncut Gems,” directing duo Josh and Benny Safdie chose to split up for their next projects. Eager filmgoers waited in anticipation to see what each of the brothers could do on their own.

Following the release of Benny’s “The Smashing Machine” in October, which was generally well-received, theaters were gifted with the release of Josh’s “Marty Supreme” on Christmas. Knowing this, one has to wonder whether Josh’s first major solo feature is as masterfully directed as his previous work with his brother at his side.

The film follows Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), loosely inspired by real-life table tennis player Marty Reisman, as he tries to escape his mundane city life and become a table tennis champion.

It is difficult to talk about this movie without emphasizing how unbelievable Chalamet is in this role. The actor is quoted during the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, saying, “I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats… I want to be up there.” Chalamet doesn’t just embody his character; this is the role he was born to play, and it is his best performance from an already first-class career.

Despite the film’s 1950s setting, it feels more topical now than ever. With the growing desire from generation to generation to do something great within a lifetime, it becomes impossible not to connect with Marty and his story. Marty is a selfish character, constantly running away from his responsibilities and destroying the lives of those who surround him, all in the pursuit of his table tennis aspirations. Nowhere is this better emphasized than with Odessa A’zion’s character Rachel, who is constantly being roped into Marty’s schemes despite her own precarious situation. Yet, it’s Marty’s pursuit of greatness and desire to get more out of life that humanizes him. It’s a fine balance the movie pulls off; regardless of how stressful the events get or how narcissistic and selfish Marty acts, the audience never stops wanting him to succeed.

After “Marty Supreme,” it is easy to see that the Safdie brothers can be just as strong apart as they are together. The film has resonated with both avid moviegoers and the general public, becoming A24’s highest-grossing film at the domestic box office. While their previous best works were as a team, “Marty Supreme” proves that the brothers can still create fantastic films on their own.