What to watch: Timothée Chalamet serves chaos and championship swagger in Marty Supreme

For years, I have described Timothée Chalamet as an acting chameleon destined for remarkable heights. Each role he takes on seems to stretch him further, revealing new layers of craft, discipline and daring. WithMarty Supreme, he once again proves that instinct is right – and then some.

Versatile, agile and utterly committed,Chalametembodies what a consummate thespian should be. His latest role places him firmly in the centre of this year’s conversation for the Academy Awards, earning him a third Best Actor nomination at just 30 years old. It’s a remarkable achievement that puts him among the youngest actors ever to reach that milestone.

At first glance, Marty is the kind of character most of us recognise immediately. Previous nominations forCall Me by Your NameandA Complete Unknownhave already established him as a serious talent. ButMarty Suprememight just be the role that elevates him from brilliant performer to generational icon.

[paywall]

Directed by Josh Safdie, the film is set in the fast-talking, fast-moving streets of 1950s New York City. It tells the story of Marty Mauser, a brash, obsessive table-tennis player with a mouth that rarely stops moving and a mind constantly scheming. He’s the guy who always has a plan, always knows someone who knows someone, and somehow manages to get things done, even if the methods are a little dodgy.

In real life, we all know at least one or two people like that. The story is loosely inspired by legendary table tennis player Marty Reisman, famously nicknamed “The Needle” for his razor-sharp wit and flamboyant exhibition matches. In the film, Marty believes he’s destined for greatness, not just as a player, but as a legend. To fund his dream of competing at a world championship in Tokyo, Marty dives headfirst into a whirlwind of hustles, shady deals, and high-stakes gambles.

[/paywall]