Review: ‘Challengers’
Zendaya commands the screen in this inspired and beautifully crafted depiction of the high stakes of tennis matches, and the tension that plays out behind-the-scenes.
“Tennis is a relationship.”
It is the parallel between sport and human relationships that Luca Guadagnino explores in Challengers, his latest directorial outing. Though Tashi, played by Zendaya, only utters this comparison later on in the film, its weight can be thoroughly felt from the very first seconds of the film, before the Warner Bros. logo even appears, as Josh O’Connor‘s Patrick and Mike Faist’s Art meet on a court of New Rochelle for what seems to be a defining match. Tensions arise as an electrifying match, both on and off the court, is already surfacing on the horizon.
From A Bigger Splash to Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All, Guadagnino has established himself as a pillar of modern filmmaking and the character study as we know it today. Although Challengers marks quite a drastic turn from his previous work, amounting to what may be his most commercial entry to date, what remains from his signature style is his admiration for the human body. While the film can certainly be referred to as “sexy,” it never falls into the conventional depiction of sexuality that modern audiences are familiar with today. It’s actually the effort, the sweat, the angst, the rage and the triumph that Guadagnino chooses to focus on instead, as manifested and explored through the cast’s body language.
The movie is also beautifully shot, making for a dynamic watch. Guadagnino and cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom provide an immersive experience, switching between overhead shots, strong zooms in, a player’s perspective and even the point of view of a tennis ball. The score also plays a part in the immersion; composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, it combines retro sounds and a classic choir, a surprising choice that only adds to the singular nature of the film.
Another reason as to why Challengers works so well has to do with the writing. Justin Kuritzkes pens his first feature film script here with intelligence and confidence. Intelligence in the intertwined structure of the timelines, through encounters and reunions, flashbacks and flashforwards. Kuritzkes never loses us, constantly providing enough twists, turns and revelations to keep us on edge. Confidence in the way those characters develop their connections with one another. Kuritzekes dodges the clichés of the usual love triangle by showcasing different power dynamics, interchangeable ones. We may question the decisions of these characters, but they’re always presented with tangible motives behind them, making the three protagonists come out as flawed but authentic and real.
It goes without saying that the central trio of performances is a centerpiece in what makes the film work as well as it does. Zendaya presents herself here in one of her first adult roles, and she does not disappoint. She commands the screen with a maturity that some may not expect from her. As the film’s tagline (“Her game, her rules”) plays out in front of our eyes, Tashi grows into a force to be reckoned with, ready to risk everything she has to achieve her goals. Her star persona also plays in the film, as fans will be pleased to notice the easter eggs spread out, from a Spider-Man mention to the presence of one of her long-time collaborators, who makes a delightful cameo as the final match’s umpire.
Josh O’Connor gives Patrick a mischievous and provocative charisma that often leads to explosive interactions with his counterparts. His character is aware of his power of seduction and doesn’t shy away from using it to get what he wants, from a hotel room to his dream coach. Mike Faist delivers the quietest performance of the 3, but still manages to make Art an impactful presence on screen as he struggles between the feeling of seeing the end of his run as an athlete, and the fear of losing Tashi because of it.
The chemistry between the two men hits instantly. An invisible string connects them through intimate moments and hidden gestures that only they could understand, creating a believable bond throughout the different timelines between them, as they start to question Tashi’s motivations and feelings.
What Guadagnino achieves with Challengers becomes transparent in the end. As the narrative gradually ramps up as the film progresses, both audience and character tensions intertwine, leading to a crescendo of emotion and intensity. Challengers manages to perfectly capture the thrilling dynamics of the high-stakes tennis matches it artfully portrays, leaving viewers captivated and breathless in its wake.
4.5/5
Challengers will be released in theaters on April 26.
