For independent filmmakers across the world, A24 has been a life raft in a sea of industry trepidation, providing platforms for new creative voices to freely express themselves without fear of executive meddling. Launched in 2012, the company has since elevated such iconic filmmakers asAri Aster,Kelly Reichardt,andRobert Eggers, releasing such modern classics asHereditary,First CowandThe Lighthouse,respectively. But it’s arguably theSafdie brotherswho are the jewel in their crown, with the multifaceted siblings going from strength to strength year-on-year.
Josh SafdieandBenny Safdiefirst emerged as a filmmaking force back in 2009 with the incredible parental dramaDaddy Longlegsand have since gone on to produce some of this century’s most vibrant works. FromGood TimewithRobert PattinsontoUncut Gemsstarring an unrecognizableAdam Sandler, the Safdies have made a name for themselves as frenetic storytellers, taking on gritty subjects with humanity and cinematic verve. So, why exactly are they not working with each other anymore?
The Safdie Brothers' Breakup Is Amicable
While the Safdie brothers haven’t made a movie since the furor of 2019’sUncut Gems, Benny (the younger of the siblings) has pursued a career in front of the camera. Appearing in a whole host of projects, from the divisiveStar WarsshowObi-Wan KenobitoChristopher Nolan’sforthcomingOdysseyto theTV seriesThe Curse, which he also co-wrote withNathan Fielder, Safdie has become something of an unlikely familiar face in contemporary Hollywood. Seemingly,it is both performance and direction that Benny Safdie wants to master.
“It’s a natural progression of what we each want to explore,”he toldVarietywhen asked about the unexpected split from his brother. “I will direct on my own, and I will explore things that I want to explore. I want that freedom right now in my life.” The brothers were due to, once again, share the director’s chair for a baseball-themed follow-up toUncut Gemsstarring Adam Sandler andMegan Thee Stallionin the near future, but Benny has since departed from the project, which is now “on pause.” As for the possibility of the pair coming back together as a directorial duo in the future, Benny merely shrugs—“I don’t know.”
Yet, for a familial directorial duo who were on such a hot streak of creative success, the announcement felt a little abrupt for many lovers of their grungy aesthetic. Ever since, rumors of tension between the brothers have gently simmered, with some predicting they could have had a personal falling out, but then again,there’s nothing unusual about two brothers simply wanting to explore different creative avenues—even if they’re both makingOscar-contending sports movies.
Benny Safdie Will Team Up With Dwayne Johnson For ‘The Smashing Machine’
In the red corner, and coming out first in the movie calendar, is Benny Safdie’s return to directing—The Smashing Machine. Altogether, as epic as it sounds,The Smashing MachinestarsDwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnsonas the UFC champion Mark Kerr in a biographical sports drama that had fans of the brutal sport licking their lips when theywatched the trailer. Produced by Johnson while he takes up the frame in the lead role,this is the former wrestler’s firsttrulysincere dramatic role, which is sure to turn Academy voters' headsonce awards season rolls around. Also starringEmily Bluntas Kerr’s former wife, as well as real-life combat sports iconsRyan BaderandOleksandr Usyk, it’s clear that Benny Safdie is continuing his fondness for gritty, authentic cinema that makes use ofunconventional actors.
Though it’s not based on the highly rated documentary of the same name, released back in 2002, Safdie has, no doubt,taken inspiration from the film’s incredible portrayal of the real-life sports star.Scheduled to have its world premiere at theVenice International Film Festivalin September, Benny will throw the first punch in his trifling brotherly rivalry, but will it hit?
Josh Safdie is Taking on Ping Pong With ‘Marty Supreme’
In the blue corner is Josh Safdie, and something a little more cordial.Marty Supremeis influenced by the world of 1950s ping pong and is loosely inspired by the true story of Marty Reisman, but there’s too much fiction here to be able to call it a biopic. StarringTimothée Chalametin the lead role, the film’s very first trailer treated us toa vibrant-looking comedy that seems as if it will make good use of the actor’s high energyto produce something rather miraculous.
Avoiding the biopic route could certainly be a wise choice for Josh Safdie, too, with this giving him the creative freedom to explore whatever avenue he and longtime co-writerRonald Bronsteinwish.The film’s larger-than-life personality is already evident in its eclectic cast, where major stars likeGwyneth PaltrowandOdessa A’zionshare the screen with non-actors such asTyler the Creatorandcelebrated cult filmmakerAbel Ferrara.
So, the question is, who will win out in this emotional saga of brotherly rivalry, Josh or Benny? Well, the real answer isus. In a modern movie industry that seems barren of such distinctive voices asMartin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola,andSteven Spielberg, who helped fosterthe growth of “New Hollywood”in the late 20th century,the Safdie brothers have emerged as two of the only guiding lights. Sure, the likes of Robert Eggers, Ari Aster,Luca Guadagnino,andGreta Gerwigput up a good fight, but if you really want to show your jaded uncle a film that “does things like they used to," just show him a Safdie one.
Indeed, with any luck, bothMarty SupremeandThe Smashing Machinewill emerge as two of the very best movies of the year, andthe brothers will continue to encourage each other to push the boundaries of creativity for years to come.Then, like a reverseCoen brothers, they’ll come back together at the end of their careers, combine their talents, and treat cinephiles to a celluloid masterpiece. Until then, let the battle commence.
