As 2025 draws to a close, a new cinematic phenomenon is offering a beacon of hope in what has been an exceptionally bleak year for gender relations. The release of Timothée Chalamet's latest film, Marty Supreme, is being hailed as a powerful counter-narrative to the toxic masculinity pervasive online, encouraging boys towards fun and real-world connection.
A Bleak Backdrop for Boys
The year was defined by a corrosive atmosphere for young men. The global rise of the manosphere, the re-election of Donald Trump, and the loss of abortion rights in the US created a tense climate. This was exacerbated by divisive figures like Nick Fuentes and online personalities who reinforced misogynistic ideals. The film Adolescence, released in March, intensified conversations about toxic boyhood, leaving many parents feeling despondent.
Statistics reveal a troubling reality: the average boy in the UK now spends more time gaming than in school, a pattern with severe consequences for wellbeing and self-esteem. The isolating forces of screen-based life, combined with risk-averse parenting, have been catastrophic, creating a vacuum often filled by harmful online influencers.
Chalamet and a New Playful Masculinity
Enter Timothée Chalamet and director Josh Safdie. Their film, Marty Supreme The film's impact is already tangible. Merchandise, particularly the Marty Supreme jacket, has triggered a 45% surge in vintage-inspired athletic wear, with online searches for "retro sports jackets" skyrocketing by 340%. More importantly, it's driving real-world interaction. Fourteen-year-old George Deanus explains how the table-tennis craze inspired by the film has strengthened his friendships, stating they play "just to have a laugh." This cultural shift aligns with a growing chorus advocating for a reframed masculinity. Author and professor Scott Galloway, in his book Notes on Being a Man, argues against the term 'toxic masculinity,' instead urging boys to take risks, have fun, and protect others. He believes instincts like the drive for success have been unfairly demonised. Other prominent figures are adding their weight. Model David Gandy has criticised the "immaturity" of Andrew Tate's worldview while promoting the Lost Boys campaign for positive role models. In sports, figures from Freddie Flintoff to Gareth Southgate are urging boys to join teams. This collective message is clear: positive, IRL spaces are vital to counter the toxic tethers of the online world. As algorithms profit from division and "rage bait" defines the year, a tentative movement towards digital minimalism and real-world clubs is growing. With Timothée Chalamet leading a playful, charming charge in Marty Supreme, there is hope that 2026 might usher in a more joyful and connected era for young men everywhere.Broader Voices Championing Positive Change
