Timothée Chalamet plays the title character, a talented, aspiring table tennis player. This isn’t a character study, but a full-on character explosion. Chalamet plays him full of energy, enthusiasm and ego. He’s continually hustling for his game, but also dealing with some personal issues (including the affair with an older actor played by Gwyneth Paltrow). In addition to Chalamet’s non-stop performance, it’s director Josh Safdie’s buzzy, busy style and crazy, crowded camera that add to the film’s kinetic energy. While the ping pong adventures comprise most of the story, there are side trips that involve the amoral lengths he’ll go to win in life and the game. Combine Safdie’s manic style with Chalamet’s hyper portrayal for a somewhat unique, sometimes compelling and always interesting film. BTW, the athletic way they play the game required the use CGI balls to make the shots. 
(3.5 / 5)
