We all have dreams. But how do we pursue those dreams? Are we going to be fiercely driven, overcoming all obstacles? If not, the question becomes how we achieve those dreams. If nothing else, you could say Marty Mauser (Timothee Chalamet) is a dreamer. And he pursue that dream as if nothing else matters.

You could also say Marty is a hustler. While it’s in pursuit of that dream, he’s certainly out there pushing the limits with every person he knows, damaging relationships in pursuit of his dream. Is it worth it? That is ultimately a question for viewers who watch his pursuit in the new film Marty Supreme.

The film comes from writer/director Josh Safdie, who co-wrote the script with Ronald Bronstein. It’s an ambitious story that’s fueled by an incredible lead performance. But it isn’t an easy story, nor is it an easy watch. And it certainly might not be the kind of story you want to see on Christmas.

The film is set in the 1950s. Marty is working odd jobs and doing whatever he can to earn a little money. His passion and his calling is table tennis. He knows he’s going to be a champion; he just has to make it to the tournament. After hustling enough money, he heads to a tournament where he does well—until the end. It’s an epic meltdown that puts him on the map for the wrong reasons.

Back home, Marty burns through every person he knows, even new connections he makes along the way, as he’s singularly focused on making enough to get into the next tournament. When he finally gets his shot, it doesn’t turn out as expected.

This film is loosely based on the life of Marty Reisman, a real-life table tennis champ and hustler. While his life and career serve as the inspiration, this isn’t a docudrama. It’s a fictional story based on that idea that allows the film to singularly tell the story of Marty Mauser. And it’s a big story with big ambition that figures to be a player in the year-end awards.

But your mileage might vary on this film. I’ll start by praising the craft. This film does a great job of setting it in the time period and has some very good sequences, particularly when Marty is playing in the big tournaments. It has a good look, a solid score, and a great craft that transports you into the world.

It’s also buoyed by some good performances. Chalamet is rightly on the short list for Best Actor. He pours his whole heart into the role, and while it’s not my favorite of his performances, he’s quite good. He carries the film and creates a character that, if nothing else, is memorable. Supporting players like Odessa A’zion and Gwyneth Paltrow are also good. They play well off Chalamet in creating this world and the conflict in the story.

But it’s the story itself that will be the make-or-break for you. I’d wager we’ve all known a Marty in our life at one point or another. If you haven’t, maybe you’re the Marty. But I certainly recognized a few people in that character, and it made me incredibly uncomfortable. He’s a hustler, yes, but he’s also an asshole who uses anyone and everyone for his own ends. If that’s a personality that has caused you strife in the past, buckle up because this is going to be a long two and a half hours.

As for me, I was completely turned off by the character. That significantly dampened my interest in the film. I had a similar struggle with the protagonist in another Safdie Brothers film, Uncut Gems. As a result, Marty Supreme was decidedly not for me. I respect the craft, but I despised most of my viewing experience. So, be warned before you wade in.

Marty Supreme opens in limited release on Friday, December 19 and goes wide on Christmas Day.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.