Tennis player turned coach Tashi has taken her husband, Art, and transformed him into a world-famous Grand Slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she signs him up for a "Challenger" event — close to the lowest level of pro tournament — where he finds himself standing across the net from his former best friend and Tashi's former boyfriend.
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"Challengers transcends the limits of its tennis-centric premise to delve deep into the complexities of human relationships and personal desires.
Luca Guadagnino’s meticulous filmmaking and metaphoric storytelling, coupled with the stellar, fervorous performances of Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, propel viewers into a world where the lines between love and competition blur with tantalizing intensity, sexual tension, and an electrifying score.
With its potent blend of passion, intimacy, narrative and character depth, the film never stops reminding us that the most captivating stories lie beyond the boundaries of the tennis court."
Rating: A-
A lot of fun, is 'Challengers'.
First of all, I gotta say, the proper poster is so good! Thankfully, the movie matches. I enjoyed my time watching this one, I do have some (very) minor issues with the pacing and music (that blaring club track is a bit much) but in truth they evaporate given how high quality the rest of the film is.
The cast are great. Zendaya is the obvious star of the 131 minutes, she is top notch throughout. Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist are just as impressive though, they more than hold their own alongside Zendaya. I've seen O’Connor before in TV's 'The Crown' so I'm not all that surprised or anything, though this is the first time I've see Faist act.
Aside from the earlier noted track, the music is overall excellent though. I also like how the tennis is portrayed, I'm only a casual viewer of the sport but it all felt believable in that regard. I think the run time could've been trimmed a tad, while the amount of different timelines is perhaps a little excessive. Again, mind, these are not major concerns of mine, just worthy of noting.
A terrific flick, no doubt!
Tennis playing "Art" (Mike Faist) and "Patrick" (Josh C'Connor) have been best mates since school but there's a fly in the ointment of their bromance. That's the upcoming superstar that is "Tashi" (Zendaya) - whom both of the boys take a shine to. A shared beer in their hotel room and she declares she's no home wrecker - but as this story progresses we arrive at a scenario that sees her own career aspirations tragically thwarted and rather vicariously transferred onto now husband "Art" whilst her ex-boyfriend "Patrick" and he now barely speak. Having won six slams, "Art" is running out of steam - but his unfulfilled wife is not ready for him to quit. Can he win an elusive US Open? For that matter, can he even win a confidence-building Challenger event in which he must beat his former friend. It's this match that serves as the conduit for the story as we dance about the timelines delivering a story that I felt was rife with pretty toxic ambition. Zendaya handles her really ambiguous, sometimes quite cruel and selfish, role here real quite unnervingly well as Luca Guadagnino allows all three actors to develop characteristics that vary from the engaging to the detestable - and he lets us be the judge. They are all flawed individuals spurned on by hormones, desire and the highly charged and competitive nature of their touring existences makes for quite a compelling look at just what makes these guys tick! After his appearance in "Mothering Sunday" (2021) O'Connor has no issues getting naked, the others prove a little more restrained as the sexual chemistry becomes more palpable and destructive and by the denouement - well who knows what will happen? I like that uncertainty - and I know what I wanted to occur... If you can't like yourself, can anyone else?
While I have found Zendaya to be an attractive and stylish young woman, I haven't really warmed up to her as a serious actress all that much. She was fine in the "Spider-Man" franchise since it didn't require any great stretches for her. I feel that in the "Dune" series she is overshadowed by other, more talented actors. And in the more serious "Malcolm and Marie" she was in over her head in the cheap imitation of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
"Challengers" is a big step for her as an actress. And while I do still feel as though her two co-stars were more convincing, I think that this part is a brave move into meatier and more challenging roles.
The film is told over a thirteen year period. Zendaya plays Tashi a rising star in the tennis world. She seems to be the next great thing. At one of the tournaments she meets Art and Patrick, played by Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor. They are also competitive tennis players and best friends. And they both fall for Tashi. Who wouldn't?
Over the next several years they each start a relationship with Tashi. Not surprisingly they grow apart, but their stories continue to intersect as they both move closer to an inevitable confrontation...both off and on the court.
It's the kind of movie that Hollywood rarely makes anymore. It's about people and their feelings, and their ambitions. It's not a sequel or a remake, or comic book. This is why I find stories about real human emotions to be so much more exciting than the latest, generic action retread. The plot is advanced by the things the characters say and how their emotions guide their futures.
The film offers ambiguous motivations. On the surface we see them caring for each other, but what lies deep beneath is a much more selfish reality that put them in a survival mode. Each of them is a well written being. There is no hero to the story...nor a villain.
While Zendaya holds her own, Faist and O'Connor are the best part. They move the story and are also the central interest to me. This is, after all a love story, but we don't really understand early that it is also an unconventional one between the two male characters as well. All three of them hold a certain amount of sexual tension between them.
If I was to have a small gripe, it would be that the last twenty minutes is stretched too long. I'm glad that the filmmakers didn't rush it like many films do, but...they do milk the final in too many slow motion and trick shots. It adds tension, but it gets close to making us lose a bit of interest as well. Just get on with it!
A story about a sociopathic, egocentric, racist narcissist who - not knowing what love is - treats two young men who both fall in love with her as pawns in a twisted game of life.
The havoc she wreaks, and the lives she break, are of no concern to her, as she continues on and on trying to satisfy her quench for power, control, and admiration.
It's not that I necessarily have a problem with films spun around an antagonist, or with demonic female characters, there's just something about the way it is on display in this film that makes me nauseous and tired. Perhaps it's the poor writing, or the lack of any real protagonist, as the two who are supposedly our protagonists are really willing victims, so it's hard to feel for them. Maybe it's the disorganized structure of the script. And pairing it with an atrocius score certainly doesn't help.
Oh, and the supposed "tennis" they're playing is so far detached from actual tennis that you can't help but laugh out loud at times when the film is trying to be very dramatic. Quite unfortunate.
I do think the three main actors do a good job, and I'll gladly watch them in something else in the future. Especially our antagonist (assuming she has other facial expressions than sulking) and the dark-haired protagonist.
Challengers presents an intriguing story centered around an unconventional love triangle with a twist. The film is well-crafted, showcasing impressive performances, direction, editing and cinematography.
The plot of Challengers revolves around the complex relationships between the three main characters, exploring themes of love, rivalry, and redemption. The story is engaging, with a narrative that keeps the audience invested in the characters' journeys.
Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor deliver solid performances as Art and Patrick, two friends whose relationship becomes strained. Their chemistry feels authentic, adding to the film's emotional weight.
However, Zendaya's performance as Tashi is the film's standout element. She commands every scene she is in, bringing depth and nuance to her character. Her portrayal of Tashi's internal conflicts and external manipulations is both compelling and believable.
The film's technical aspects are equally impressive. The cinematography beautifully captures the film's mood, using lighting and framing to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes especially on the court. The editing is top-notch, ensuring a smooth narrative flow and maintaining the film's pacing. The seamless transitions between past and present help to build suspense and deepen the story.
Challengers is particularly appealing to younger generations and aspiring filmmakers. Its fresh take on a classic trope, combined with high-quality filmmaking, makes it a standout in contemporary cinema. The film's exploration of modern relationships and personal growth resonates well with a younger audience. Additionally, its artistic approach provides inspiration for filmmakers looking to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Overall, Challengers is a well-made film with a compelling story and strong performances. Zendaya shines as Tashi, supported by the solid performances of Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor. The film's technical excellence, from cinematography to editing, enhances its overall impact. This movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in a nuanced and emotionally rich narrative, as well as for those who appreciate high-quality filmmaking.
A Game of Love, Rivalry, and Resilience
The Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, serves up more than just a tennis love triangle—it’s a story about passion, ambition, and the lengths we go to reclaim our sense of self. Zendaya shines as Tashi Duncan, a once-dominant tennis star turned coach, whose life is as complex and intense as the sport she mastered.
This film takes the audience on a whirlwind of emotions, following Tashi’s journey as she navigates a challenging personal and professional dynamic between her husband, Art, and her ex-boyfriend, Patrick. What starts as a sports drama quickly evolves into a tale of love, loyalty, and the complicated ties that bind us. Guadagnino’s direction brings the tension of a tennis match to every scene, where every glance, word, and play feels like a volley in an emotional game that none of the characters are fully prepared for.
At the heart of The Challengers is a powerful message about resilience and the relentless pursuit of purpose. Tashi’s return to the court—albeit from the sidelines as a coach—is emblematic of her unwillingness to give up, even when her own dreams seem beyond reach. She embodies the law of assumption, believing in the possibilities that lie ahead, even when the present seems tangled in a web of broken relationships and lost potential. By daring to assume victory, not only in the game but in her own life, Tashi embraces a future filled with the abundance of second chances.
What makes this film so compelling is the complexity of its characters, all of whom are struggling with their own vulnerabilities. The tennis matches are metaphors for life’s battles—hard-fought, full of unpredictable twists, and always demanding more than expected. It’s in the emotional back-and-forth, the moments of doubt and the sparks of hope, that The Challengers truly comes alive.
Ultimately, The Challengers is about the fight to reclaim one’s identity and the power of belief—belief in love, in oneself, and in the idea that we are always capable of bouncing back from life’s toughest setbacks. It’s an inspiring, beautifully crafted film that reminds us, whether on the court or off, that every challenge we face is an opportunity to grow stronger.
If you’re looking for a story that blends high-stakes competition with profound personal growth, The Challengers is a must-watch. It serves up drama, passion, and the belief that, no matter the odds, we always have the strength to rise.
