Ever since the prolific Safdie brothers consciously uncoupled about two years back, both Benny and Josh have not taken the split as reason to slow down. In fact, we've seen an even higher output from both brothers it seems – and with so much Safdie cinematic goodness on its way (hello The Smashing Machine and it's 15-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival last week), we thought we'd gather our favourite flicks from the duo to get you acquainted in the meantime.
1. Good Time
If you're an OG A24 fan, you may already have seen this flick from the studio way back in 2017 (well before A24 was the powerhouse it is today). Or maybe you saw Pete Davidson go on Late Night TV wearing a t-shirt of RPatz's face from this film, joking that it's the greatest film he's ever watched and that he'd rather promote it than his own. Good Time is a darkly lit, high-octane film about brotherly love and a robbery gone wrong.
2. Uncut Gems
There's no doubt in my mind that you read that film title in Julia Fox's infamous refrain — she, of course, was the self-professed muse to the brothers at this time. The film casts comedian Adam Sandler in probably his grittiest role to date, and tells the tale of a Jewish-American jeweller and gambling addict in New York City's Diamond District.
3. The Smashing Machine
While this one is still yet to hit cinemas, Josh Safdie's latest film debuted to a rapturous reception at Venice Film Festival last week – and had plenty of critics offering up Dwayne Johnson as a potential Oscar nominee for his leading role. The film follows the real-life story of 90s MMA fighter Mark Kerr as he reaches the peak of his career.
4. Heaven Knows What
Based on the unpublished memoir of Arielle Holmes (who also stars in the film), this gritty 2014 drama dives deep into the life of a young heroin addict navigating love, survival, and the streets of New York City. With its raw style and newbie cast, the Safdies created an unflinching portrait of addiction that cemented their reputation as masters of chaotic realism.
5. Daddy Longlegs
Released in 2009 (also known as Go Get Some Rosemary), this semi-autobiographical story follows a manic but loving father struggling to take care of his two young sons during his custody weeks in Manhattan. Equal parts funny, frantic, and heartbreaking, it offers an early glimpse of the Safdie brothers’ trademarks.
6. Marty Supreme
One of the most anticipated films of the year is Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow (and with a cameo from Tyler, The Creator). The film is about a champion table-tennis player in the 1950s and is scheduled for cinematic release on Christmas Day.
