When it comes to Marty Supreme, critics and audiences seem to agree on one central point: the film ultimately belongs to its lead actor. Timothée Chalamet delivered the movie’s strongest and most compelling element, anchoring the entire narrative in a character deeply manipulative, morally questionable, and yet strangely magnetic.

Despite his character being an anti-hero rather than classic, positive protagonist, his charisma makes the viewer question the morals of his actions while strangely wanting him to succeed. The film never asks us to excuse the actions of the protagonist, Chalamet’s performance makes it almost impossible not to root for his success.

Chalamet proved to be a versatile actor, who refused to be boxed into portraying roles of fragile teens and capable of creating a range of very complex and challenging characters. In Marty Supreme, he did not lean into the vulnerability he explored in Call Me by Your Name, Beautiful Boy, or even Bones and All, but went in the direction of his portrayal of Paul Atreides in Dune. His character is cold, controlled, calculating, quietly dangerous – and at the same time charismatic. For viewers already familiar with his filmography, Marty Supreme feels like an extension of his darker, more commanding roles, which showcases maturity and evolution.

Importantly, Chalamet was supported by others, who also left a strong impression – particularly Gwyneth Paltrow, whose character shares a physical and intellectual relationship with Marty. Their dynamic, built on mutual manipulation and material ambition, makes their connection feel both purely transactional and genuinely complex.

The film’s pacing is fast, linking multiple interconnected plot lines that develop quickly but remain surprisingly easy to follow. Visually, the cinematography and direction paint a gritty, imperfect portrait of New York, using muted greens, greys, and blacks while still allowing subtle contrasts to shine through. Complemented by bold costume design and music, blending 1950s settings with energetic 1980s and 1990s influences, the film maintains a relentless momentum that rarely lets up.

Marty Supreme has proven to be a strong commercial performer. The film became the highest-grossing US release in the history of the renowned A24 studio, cashing in, as of February 8, US $147 million ticket sales worldwide – an achievement for an non-mainstream film with a reported budget of US $60-70 million.

A month before the Academy Awards, Marty Supreme is well-positioned, with nine nominations. Chalamet is certainly a front-runner for the Best Actor statuette, the film’s standing in other categories might depend on whether it will successfully address the controversy surrounding Josh Safdie’s previous project.