Overview
- The A24 release is in wide theatrical run with one of the distributor’s biggest holiday openings and strong reviews positioning it for awards consideration.
- Kevin O’Leary says Timothée Chalamet refused a body double and filmed a paddle “punishment” scene for roughly 40 takes with a real paddle to satisfy director Josh Safdie.
- Safdie characterizes the film as an homage to table‑tennis icon Marty Reisman rather than a traditional biopic.
- Safdie has discussed themes of parenthood and personal change shaping the film’s payoff, signaling a departure from a standard sports‑movie finale.
- A Holocaust‑related vignette in the film draws on a verified anecdote tied to champion Alojzy “Alex” Ehrlich, according to recent reporting.