Blogroll

I’ve been using Android phones for over 15 years, and it’s hard to even imagine how many apps have graced my home screen in that time. A few favorites have risen to the top in recent years, though. I feel safe calling them essential.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla has always been the go-to for practical, reliable transportation, and the Corolla Hybrid takes that a step further with impressive fuel economy. If you want a safe, efficient sedan that won’t quietly drain your wallet, this is a solid choice.

When shopping for a power tool at the hardware store, you'll see options from DeWALT, Ryobi, RIDGID, Makita, Milwaukee, and more displayed in various colors. If you're a fan of Milwaukee, you've likely noticed different variations of the same tool in compact sizes or with smaller battery packs, which can sometimes be confusing.

Still familiarizing yourself with your new iPad? If you want to take full advantage of its capabilities, there are a few things you'll need to do first.

Linux is more user-friendly than ever, but there are still a large number of irreplaceable Windows apps that don't run on Linux at all. With one open-source program, I solved that problem for 90% of the Windows app I need on a regular basis. This is how.

If you're just beginning Bash scripting, you may often find yourself repeating the same commands again and again in your scripts, but a better way exists. I will explain what "DRY" means and how you should use functions to do it.

Did you buy a new Windows 11 PC or do a fresh installation of the OS? Do you want your PC to be powerful and feature-complete from day one? Well, here are five niche apps that you should install to make Windows do what it can't out of the box.

You don't actually need to spin up a virtual machine to run Linux apps on modern versions of Windows. Microsoft has built tools into Windows 10 and Windows 11 to run Linux apps natively. It's called Windows Subsystem for Linux or WSL, which allows you to run an entire Linux box that can interact with your Windows file system. Originally, you could only run the Linux command-line terminal with WSL, but the newer versions of WSL allow you to run Linux apps with a full graphical interface.

A NAS is an invaluable part of a robust backup solution, and more reliable than just plugging in a flash drive to make backups every once in a while. However, a NAS is also a miniature computer that can run additional services on your network. These are 6 that I always run on mine.

After I get a new phone, transfer the data from the previous device, and finish setting it up, I immediately pull up the app drawer and start hunting for bloatware.

As part of my job, I read about Linux distributions, test them out, and discuss them. Through all of that, I've noticed a few Linux distributions hyped and promoted that I think newbies in the Linux world (or people in general) should steer clear of.

With gas prices still unpredictable, fuel costs have become one of the biggest factors in choosing a new car. Few vehicles are as closely associated with efficiency as the Prius, but many shoppers still wonder whether its fuel-sipping reputation translates into meaningful savings in the real world. Beyond the EPA numbers, the question is simple: how much money does it actually save you compared to a conventional gas-powered car over time?

Over the years, I've flipped and flopped between various Excel keyboard shortcuts, but one has been my mainstay since I was a college kid: Ctrl+1. This memorable keystroke is my backdoor to tackling 80% of the day-to-day and advanced spreadsheet tasks.

My homelab is probably my favorite hobby to spend time on, but a year ago, I made a mistake in my media server setup. Recently, I fixed the problem by putting a tiny computer to use.

The Windows taskbar has been largely unchanged sinc he days of Windows 95, and features a disappointing number of customization options. Worse yet, since Windows 11 was introduced, you don't even get many useful right-click options on the taskbar anymore.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The ultimate Christmas movie streaming list for 2025

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for the final chapter of Netflix's major series, a buzzy conspiracy theory sci-fi, the steamiest show of the season, or a jaw-dropping animated epic, we're here for you.

13. Five Nights at Freddy's 2

The killer animatronics of your nightmares return in Five Nights at Freddy's 2, based on Scott Cawthon's hit horror game franchise. This time around, Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy aren't the only animatronics in play. There's also their "toy" versions to contend with, along with Marionette, Mangle, and Balloon Boy. That's certainly no fun for security guard Mike (Josh Hutcherson), but it's plenty of fun for game fans.

Like the first film, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 was a box office smash, but critics didn't take too kindly to it, with Mashable's Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko writing in her review that, "like the first one, this sequel has just a deadly amount of talking, with too little scares, jokes, or surprises." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Wayne Knight, Mckenna Grace, and Teo Briones

How to watch: Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is now available on digital.

12. The Carpenter's Son

Ever wonder what Jesus got up to between his birth in a manger and being the leader of apostles? Or maybe you've been curious what it was like for Joseph to be the mortal father to the son of God? Well, writer/director Lotfy Nathan gets into both of these stories with The Carpenter's Son.

Following Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as they try to live a modest and good life while ducking the temptations of Satan, The Carpenter's Son is a gnarly religious horror offering. It not only explores a surreal look into teen Jesus's early understandings of his identity, power, and passion, but also co-stars Nicolas Cage as an embattled Joseph. It's a wild one, so maybe don't gather the whole family for a watch. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Noah Jupe, Souheila Yacoub, Isla Johnston, and FKA twigs

How to watch: The Carpenter's Son is now available on digital.

11. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

The Bear star Jeremy Allen White unleashes his inner Bruce Springsteen in this musical biopic from writer/director Scott Cooper. Instead of focusing on the Boss' career as a whole, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere zeroes in on the making of Springsteen's sixth studio album, Nebraska, which he recorded sparsely on a four-track in his bedroom. The film parallels the production with Springsteen's struggles with depression, crafting a solemn portrait of the musician.

While White turns in an admirable performance as Springsteen, the rest of the film pales in comparison, hitting standard biopic beats like troubled childhoods and the flashes of genius that lead to a great song. As I wrote in my review, "While the film's music remains classic as ever, and while White does an admirable job channeling Springsteen, Deliver Me From Nowhere fails to deliver anything revelatory about the actual emotions behind the music." — B.E.

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young, Gaby Hoffmann, Marc Maron, and David Krumholtz

How to watch: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is now on digital.

10. The Copenhagen Test

Simu Liu jumps into a world of espionage and secrets in Peacock's new thriller The Copenhagen Test. He plays Alexander, an intelligence analyst for the U.S. government who learns that unknown forces have hacked his eyes and ears, giving them access to everything Alexander witnesses. To discover the truth behind his hackers' motives, as well as their identities, he'll have to keep up a nonstop performance in order to fool them. But who can he truly trust? And does the shadowy agency he works for truly have his best interests at heart? Find out in this slick spy series with a light sci-fi twist. — B.E.

Starring: Simu Liu, Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d'Arcy James, Mark O'Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant

How to watch: The Copenhagen Test premieres Dec. 27 on Peacock.

9. Die My Love

Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson unlock their most unbridled animal instincts in Die My Love, a formidable, hypnotic, powerful drama from We Need to Talk About Kevin director Lynne Ramsay. The pair are Grace (Lawrence) and Jackson (Pattinson), a loved-up couple who can't keep their hands off each other. They move into Jackson's rural family home, surrounded by forest and a long walk to his mother Pam's (Sissy Spacek) house. With the arrival of their child, Jackson's work schedule means Grace is often home alone, an isolation which she initially celebrates but eventually resents — even hates. And here, Lawrence follows Grace to the brink.

"Grace's journey will make you squirm, perhaps cackle. But in her messy quest for something beyond being boxed in, she offers a radical freedom to her audience," Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review. "In the discomfort of watching her bicker, battle, and act out, an excitement of possibility burns. Where could this lead, not just for her — but for us? Will you walk away from Die My Love rattled? Feeling recognized? Or dared to be reborn?" — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, LaKeith Stanfield, Nick Nolte, and Sissy Spacek

How to watch: Die My Love debuts on MUBI Dec. 23.

8. Bugonia

Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone team up once again for Bugonia, a conspiracy caper that remakes Jang Joon-hwan's Save the Green Planet! with a script by The Menu's Will Tracy. Stone and Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness collaborator Jesse Plemons plays Teddy, a conspiracy theorist who believes an alien race lives among us, one of which is big pharma CEO Michelle Fuller (Stone). So, Teddy and his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis) kidnap her for a tête-à-tête about who she is, what the plans are, and whether the human race is worth saving. 

Featured Video For You Emma Stone reveals how 'Good Luck, Babe' wound up in 'Bugonia'

Critics have been divided on Bugonia, especially around its bleak marathon run of topics. Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review, "Bugonia, despite having a sensational cast and clear vision for its world, lacks profundity in its smorgasbord of hot topics. Environmentalism, oligarchy, the manosphere, healthcare for profit — all of these make for a dizzying brew from which Teddy and Michelle arise on opposing sides."* — S.C.

Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias

How to watch: Bugonia is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV and arrives on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Dec. 23.

7. Ne Zha II

The highest-grossing film of 2025 might be one you missed in theaters. Now, you can catch up with this jaw-dropping animated epic in the comfort of your own home. But trust us, you're going to want to watch Ne Zha first. Based on Chinese mythology, both films have a lot of narrative ground to cover. But the animated awesomeness of the sequel makes the first film worth the time investment.

SEE ALSO: 'Ne Zha II' review: A24's animated fantasy epic is a must-see, but a warning...

Ne Zha II follows the continued misadventures of the eponymous anti-hero, a boy born with the powers of a demon, who befriends a dragon/boy named Ao Bing, born with the powers of a heavenly spirit. In the first film, they battle before becoming unexpected friends. In the second, they have to share Ne Zha's body to complete a battle-centric quest to restore Ao Bing's physical form. Meanwhile, the dragons are conspiring to overthrow their king, while a horrid threat faces Ne Zha's homeland. All these threads make for a movie that includes monster battles, slapstick, tragedy, and gross-out gags. It can be dizzying, but also, incredible. — K.P.

Starring: Crystal Lee, Griffin Puatu, Aleks Le, Michelle Yeoh, and Vincent Rodriguez III

How to watch: Ne Zha is now streaming on Peacock, Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO Max, and Ne Zha II is now streaming on HBO Max.

6. 100 Nights of Hero

Julia Jackman's 100 Nights of Hero was one of the best films we watched out of the BFI London Film Festival this year, and now it's coming to streaming. Based on Isabel Greenberg's graphic novel, this visually magnificent, queer, feminist fairy tale is a triumph of production design with a hype-worthy appearance by Charli XCX. It follows Cherry (Longlegs' Maika Monroe), a noblewoman in a medieval patriarchy whose arranged marriage to Jerome (Limbo's Amir El-Masry) is yet to be consummated — and she's on a literal deadline. Jerome leaves on business, but not before a bet with roguish lord Manfred (The Idea of You's Nicholas Galitzine) that his friend cannot seduce his wife in his absence. Luckily, Cherry has a fierce protector in her maid, Hero (Nosferatu's Emma Corrin).

"At its whimsical heart, 100 Nights of Hero is a story of women's courage and resilience, of pursuing knowledge and passion beyond the perilously high fences of patriarchy," I wrote in my review. "It's a dazzling world of suppressed queer identity and desire, of male bravado and paranoia, and of the power of storytelling itself. Jackman has crafted us a topical treat, finely dressed in splendour and social commentary. It's nothing short of heroic." — S.C.

Starring: Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Nicholas Galitzine, Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, Felicity Jones, and Varada Sethu

How to watch: 100 Nights of Hero is available to rent or purchase on Prime Video starting Dec. 23.

5. The Life of Chuck

Catch one of the best — and most underrated — films of the year when Mike Flanagan's The Life of Chuck hits Hulu this week. Based on the novella of the same name by Stephen King, the film introduces viewers to Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), an accountant who's got some serious dance moves. To say more about the plot would be to spoil much of The Life of Chuck's impact, so try to go in as blind as possible. (But definitely go in!)

From Doctor Sleep to Gerald's Game, Flanagan has proven time and again that he can adapt the hell out of a Stephen King novel. That's no different with The Life of Chuck, which Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko called "glorious" in her review, writing, "It's incredible. This is a movie that contains so much that it just shouldn't work. It's easy to imagine an iteration that fell too hard into the darkness, or depended too intensely on treacly sentimentality, or relied on its dashing star power to gloss over some underwritten turns. But The Life of Chuck is masterfully told." — B.E.

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hiddleston, Annalise Basso, Benjamin Pajak, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Carl Lumbly, Samantha Sloyan, Harvey Guillén, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill

How to watch: The Life of Chuck premieres Dec. 26 on Hulu.

4. Love Lies Bleeding

Rose Glass, the writer/director who awed critics in 2020 with her stunning religious horror film Saint Maud, has blessed us with a follow-up that is as scorchingly sexy as it is deeply unsettling.

SEE ALSO: 'Love Lies Bleeding' Interview: Kristen Stewart on the female gaze vs. the male gaze.

Set against a merciless desert town, Love Lies Bleeding stars Kristen Stewart as a surly loner who manages a rundown gym. Things begin to look up when a perfectly permed and righteously ripped bodybuilder (Katy O'Brian) rolls into her squalid realm. Their attraction is instant, their loyalty is potentially lethal. So when they run afoul of a local kingpin (Ed Harris, wearing a mangy skullet), this noir thriller veers into a place of jaw-dropping violence and grievous vengeance, with a climax that is as outrageous as it is exhilarating. As I wrote in our review, "There are movies that grab you by the throat. There are movies that punch you in the gut. Love Lies Bleeding is both, and I fucking love it."* — K.P.

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris

How to watch: Love Lies Bleeding is now on MUBI.

3. Heated Rivalry, Season 1 finale

It seems like just yesterday that Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) were suggestively swapping a water bottle in Heated Rivalry's premiere episode. Now, the internet fan-favorite series wraps up its first season after a six-episode run full of hockey, angst, and tons of no-holds-barred sex scenes. Consider this your sign to get caught up on all things Hollanov before the finale blows up social media. — B.E.

Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse, and Callan Potter

How to watch: Heated Rivalry is now streaming on HBO Max, with the finale airing Friday, Dec. 26.

2. Pluribus, Season 1 finale

One of the best shows of 2025, Vince Gilligan's Pluribus has kept viewers hooked with its tale of Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), the most miserable woman Earth, and the alien virus hive mind that's taken over the world. By the end of Pluribus' penultimate episode, Carol had begun a romantic relationship with Zosia (Karolina Wydra), one of the Others. But the imminent arrival of fellow survivor Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) in Albuquerque could upend the fragile balance Carol has reached.

So what can fans expect from the finale? Will Carol's meeting with Manousos renew her desire to save the world? Will we learn how the Others can be defeated? Tune in to find out — and maybe pour yourself a tall glass of milk while you're at it. — B.E.

Starring: Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, and Carlos-Manuel Vesga

How to watch: The Pluribus Season 1 finale is now streaming on Apple TV.

Best of Streaming this week: Stranger Things, Season 5: Volume 2

The Stranger Things farewell tour continues with the release of Season 5, Volume 2, which will hopefully answer some of our most pressing questions from Volume 1. What's next now that Will (Noah Schnapp) has powers? What does Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) have planned for the kidnapped children of Hawkins? Will Max (Sadie Sink) and Holly (Nell Fisher) escape from Vecna's mindscape? And how will Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) lost sister Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) figure into things?

Season 5 got off to an overstuffed but undeniably exciting start, so look forward to more jaw-dropping Upside Down action as the Duffer Brothers keep upping the ante. Plus, more episodes means more time with Stranger Things' beloved characters, who remain the show's highlight through and through. As I wrote in my Volume 1 review, Stranger Things' "flashy battles and lore bombshells can get the blood pumping, but it's the characters who have kept viewers coming back for many, many years. Knowing we'll be saying goodbye to them only makes these episodes sweeter, exhaustion be damned." — B.E.

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke

How to watch: Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. The series finale premieres Dec. 31, also at 8 p.m. ET.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Sure, you might have your eyes on the class-leading Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones — unveiled at the start of summer — but those things will cost you $450. Don't bother dishing out that much money when you can get headphones for a fraction of the price (with much of the same functionality) or, better yet, noise-cancelling headphones that carry longer battery life and a stronger sonic punch than the AirPods Max. Speaking of which, did you know that users were previously reporting that their Apple headphones suffered "condensation death" after being exposed to moisture buildup? Fortunately, our wireless headphones suggestions are all models you can wear for lengthy stretches — without stressing about their impending expiration date.

What are the best budget headphones?

If you're still an Apple loyalist when it comes to headphones, stick with us for a sec. You'll soon discover that these top picks from popular budget audio brands like 1More, Anker, and JBL are giving the market’s best a run for their money. We even have a bargain entry from Sony that’s well worth a look.

SEE ALSO: The best open earbuds that stay put, sound great, and keep you aware of the world around you

Don't believe it? You'll want to see for yourself by reading our reviews of the best headphones under $100 below.

What differentiates budget vs. higher-end headphones?

In case we weren't clear enough before, cheaper does not mean worse by any means (and vice versa) when it comes to headphones. Not always, at least.

Yet, the general trend still stands that the "higher-end" a pair of headphones is, the more likely you are to get better sound quality (aka undistorted bass), more playtime, and state-of-the-art features like adaptive ANC.

Budget headphones are known to leak sound more often than their pricier alternatives, and they'll likely have fewer extras, like spatial audio for immersive 3D sound and TalkThru technology (which amplifies your convo buddy's voice while reducing music volume instantly) featured in some of JBL’s flagship headphones.

Nonetheless, we made it our mission to find headphones — both on-ear and over-ear models — that aren't "higher-end" in price and borrow a lot of standout functionality from their more expensive counterparts.

If we've learned anything, it's that 2025 has been about finding joy in the smallest things.

Bag charms are back. Plush pendants are everywhere. Our emotional support accessories are no longer subtle. Enter SKULLPANDA x Sanrio, POP MART's latest collaboration, which feels perfectly tuned to the moment.

SEE ALSO: The cult and community of Labubu

Dropping Dec. 29 online and in stores, the collection features two plush pendants — SKULLPANDA x My Melody and SKULLPANDA x Kuromi — each designed to clip onto bags, keys, or belt loops, instantly turning everyday outfits into something personal and Hello Kitty-approved. They’re cute, collectible, and very main-character coded. And at $59.99 each, they're priced squarely in "treat yourself" territory.

The Kuromi pendant is made for the sweet-but-unhinged crowd. With its black-and-pink palette, mischievous energy, and SKULLPANDA’s cool, sculptural expression, it captures the year’s obsession with contrast: soft textures, sharp attitude.

Credit: Courtesy of POP MART

My Melody, meanwhile, leans fully into softness. Blush tones, delicate embroidery, and a calm, gentle expression make this charm feel like a portable comfort object — the kind you carry simply because it makes the day feel a little better.

Credit: Courtesy of POP MART

At the center of it all is SKULLPANDA itself, POP MART's second-best–performing IP globally and a breakout favorite in the U.S. Its eerie-soft aesthetic and emotional depth have made it a go-to for collectors who want their cute things to come with meaning — and a hint of otherworldliness.

More than just a collaboration, SKULLPANDA x Sanrio taps into a larger 2025 shift: accessories are no longer just accessories. They’re mood boards in plush form. And honestly? We're obsessed.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
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If you’ve got 15 minutes, Headway Premium can get you up to speed on the concepts of a book. Choose between reading and listening to professionally narrated audio summaries of best-selling nonfiction books, depending on your mood, and start learning new concepts daily on topics ranging from personal development and business strategies to health and wellness.

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Out of its secret screening at New York Film Festival, Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme immediately began gaining award season buzz. And why not? 

Is there an actor alive pushing harder for an Oscar than Timothée Chalamet? At 29 years old, the New York thespian has been twice nominated for Best Actor, first for the swooning queer drama Call Me By Your Name and then again for his role in the critically heralded Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. And while campaigning for that latter performance, he collected a slew of awards and committed the arguably cringe faux pas of admitting he wanted the Oscar. How dare someone admit their ambition?!

With Marty Supreme, Chalamet tries a new tack by roughing up his pretty boy face with prosthetic pockmarks and pimples. Look to Nicole Kidman in The Hours or Brendan Fraser with The Whale or Heath Ledger with The Joker — prominent physical transformations can pay off big. They often break the spell of the godly movie star to allow an actor to play someone less glamorous, less idealized, and even downright despicable. In Marty Supreme, Chalamet's good looks would make it too easy to fall for the prattle of his eponymous anti-hero. But a fleet of blemishes and a squirmy mustache manages to transform this world-famous native New Yorker into a true New York character. And thank God. 

Long after the Oscars have been handed out and the fanfare has died down, Marty Supreme will be remembered as one of the supreme New York movies. Exploding with chaos, character, and kinetic energy, Marty Supreme is a movie about the city's scoundrels, their sins, and why we love them anyway. 

Marty Supreme is Uncut Gems' pesky sibling picture.  Credit: A24

After the massive success of Josh and Benny Safdie's Uncut Gems, the brothers parted ways to explore independent ventures, both of which involved sports movies. Benny teamed up with Dwayne Johnson for The Smashing Machine, an earnest but underwhelming  drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Josh found inspiration in the story of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, reimagining him as a Scorsese-like punk named Marty Mauser. 

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Played by Chalamet, Marty is a legend in his own mind, guaranteed to bring the art of ping-pong to the masses. He just needs to pay his way to the championship overseas first. And he will do anything to get the scratch for that plane ticket. He'll casually — but not coolly — pull a gun on a co-worker at a claustrophobic shoe store. He'll seduce money out of the has-been movie star (Gwyneth  Paltrow) who crosses his path, or pitch his childhood friend Rachel (Odessa A'zion) into a ransom scheme involving the bellowing dog of a glowering gangster (noted NYC filmmaker Abel Ferrara). Marty's big dreams demand big risks, and he doesn't care who's taking them. 

Timothée Chalamet is f***ing spectacular in Marty Supreme.  Credit: A24

Far from the cool gangsters of Goodfellas or even the intimidating Travis Bickle of Taxi Driver, wiry and sharp-tongued Marty has more of an After Hours energy. He's the kind of New York eccentric who is equal parts mesmerizing and irritating, practically levitating with energy, moxie, and utter bullshit. 

It's easy to see the connective tissue between Adam Sandler's Howard Ratner and Chalamet's Marty. Both are cut from the same cloth of survival with panache and plenty of anxiety. Far from a clean-cut sportsman, Marty is perpetually ruffled, always on the run, and always running his mouth. And that means that Chalamet's performance is less a marathon and more a dance-a-thon. There's a constant demand for him to play the facade of Marty's confidence, while dripping in the creeping tension that time for becoming the world champ is running out. 

This desperation grows so intense you can practically smell the sweat collecting on that greasy little mustache. Yet, when Chalamet flashes a smile and lays into his lovers or haters with that practice patter, it's hard to resist him. If Marty were a flawless pretty boy, it'd maybe be too hard to pull off, but the masterful make-up and styling by Safdie's team rough up this world-famous Chanel brand ambassador  just right. Chalamet becomes an everyman with an outsized ego that could shade the Chrysler Building. It's an illicit thrill to watch Marty connive, insult, seduce, and steal, an all-American scoundrel at the top of his game on the table and off. Though when playing ping-pong, there's an exuberance in Chalamet that is contagious. Believe it or not, you'll get sucked into these adrenaline-fueled games of table tennis. 

Marty Supreme has a sublime ensemble cast.  Credit: A24

Chalamet will lead the Oscar conversation around Safdie's latest, but there's plenty of praise to go around. Safdie and co-writer Ronald Bronstein's screenplay — despite some heavy-handed sentimentality at its bookends — is ruthlessly witty and exhilaratingly racy. The score by Warp Records artist Daniel Lopatin (who also provided the sweaty soundtrack for the Safdies' nerve-wringing Good Time) is smartly anachronistic. While the movie is set in the 1950s, the score is loaded with synth and percussion that feels more attuned to '80s sports movies like Rocky or The Karate Kid. Along with adding a pulse-pounding energy to Marty Supreme, this score also suggests that its wild anti-hero is perhaps a man before his time. 

Bolstering Chalamet's bold moves are an ensemble that is sensational, breathing life into the broader world of Marty Supreme's New York. Paltrow swans about with the untouchable grace of Manhattan's posh elite. A'Zion sizzles with blue-collar sex appeal and righteous wrath. With a winsome energy, Tyler Okonma (aka Tyler, The Creator) plays the perfect foil to Marty, as a friend and fellow ping-pong player, while Géza Röhrig offers jolting calm with a sensational monologue. Abel Ferrara, whose appearance drew cheers from the NYFF audience, brings scorching menace as a local tough guy. And the list goes on with Fran Drescher, Penn Jillette, Sandra Bernhard, and Isaac Mizrahi popping up to expand the richness of Marty's realm. 

This zinging dialogue, racing score, and electric cast collide to create cinema that celebrates New York, while recognizing its warts with a bleeding grin. All of this makes Marty Supreme an unusual crowdpleaser. Full of wild humor and shocking turns, it has its audience in a chokehold of tension and surprise, rarely letting up for us to breathe. And yet, what a thrill to be breathless. 

Marty Supreme was reviewed out of the 2025 New York Film Festival. It is is now in theaters. 

UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2025, 2:18 p.m. This review was first published on Dec. 1, 2025, as part of Mashable's NYFF coverage. It has been updated for its theatrical premiere.