In 1950s New York, Marty Mauser (Timothee Chalamet) toils as a shoe salesman in his uncle’s store. Marty is also involved in an adulterous relationship with his friend Rachel (Odessa A’Zion).
Marty looks to leave the trappings of his Jewish community and make a name for himself in the sport of Table Tennis. He takes money owned to him by force and flees to London to take part in the World Championship.
His skills are matched by his arrogance as Marty dispatches all those he is matched against and complains about the living conditions he is given while tournament executives get lavish rooms.
Marty takes matters into his own hands and draws the attention of married former starlet Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow) and begins a secret affair with her. Marty runs into trouble with a Japanese opponent in the final who uses an unorthodox grip and paddle and is able to defeat Marty.
Marty is forced to be halftime entertainment for the Harlem Globetrotters and eventually returns to the states with his life in shambles. One thing after another befalls Marty due to his increasingly bad decisions as he attempts to find his way back into the next tournament while having to confront his past, present, and future poor choices and his own demons.
“Marty Supreme” has a powerful and award-worthy performance from Chalamet and his character despite being unlikeable is compelling to watch. The supporting cast is strong, and Director Josh Safdie is not afraid to fill the screen with characters who employ a harder edge look than the Hollywood shine that many are used to. The harsher tone and look emphasize the world that Marty lives in and helps to underscore why he is willing to go to such extreme lengths to get away from it all.
The movie does change pace in the middle as what appears to be a sports movie soon becomes a very dark drama filled with lengthy segments that change pace and wrap back around at times.
Despite what many might see as flaws, the movie works as a compelling character piece and masterclass in acting as long as you can withstand characters that are next to impossible to cheer for.
4 stars out of 5
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