Josh Safdie’s highly anticipated film Marty Supreme has made its surprise world premiere at the New York Film Festival.
The film stars Timothée Chalamet as a table tennis player chasing greatness in 1950s New York. It takes loose inspiration from American table tennis champion Marty Reisman.
The film will arrive in cinemas on Christmas Day. However, NYFF audiences received an early look at the movie on Monday.
Chalamet leads the cast alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Abel Ferrara. The project has already attracted strong attention because of its star, director and reported production budget..
Bright reviews
Early reactions to Marty Supreme have been highly positive. Several critics praised the film and highlighted Chalamet’s performance.
IndieWire chief film critic David Ehrlich shared a playful reaction on X. He described the movie as an impressive follow-up to other major American films.
Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh also praised the film. He compared its style and ambition to Uncut Gems, The Catcher in the Rye and Jerry Maguire.
The movie also represents a major gamble for A24. Reports suggest that Marty Supreme is the company’s most expensive film to date, with a production budget of around $70 million.
Josh Safdie is known for his work on films such as Good Time and Uncut Gems. He directed both movies with his brother, Benny Safdie, before the brothers began pursuing separate projects.
The director now brings his distinctive style to Marty Supreme, combining sports, ambition and New York life in a 1950s setting.
‘A love letter to New York’
Chalamet made a surprise appearance before the New York Film Festival screening on Monday, October 6.
After Josh Safdie introduced him, the actor spoke about the personal connection he has with the city and the film.
Chalamet described Marty Supreme as a “love letter to New York” and expressed his excitement about having the world premiere in his hometown.
The actor also recalled attending high school near the festival venue, making the screening an especially memorable moment for him.
Chalamet has worked with several acclaimed directors throughout his career. His performance in Call Me by Your Name earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
With strong early reviews and a major theatrical release ahead, Marty Supreme could become one of the most closely watched films during the 2026 awards season.
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