CHALLENGERS (AMAZON PRIME) (2024)

SYNOPSIS: Follows three players who knew each other when they were teenagers as they compete in a tennis tournament to be the world-famous grand slam winner, and reignite old rivalries on and off the court.

MOVIE REVIEW:

Watching a film by Luca Guadagnino can be both a rewarding and frustrating experience. While not exactly known for a fixed style, the Italian auteur has made a name for himself with films like Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All. With his latest outing, he suddenly dives into a sports romance drama if you can even call it that.

The narrative of Challengers is presented in a non-linear format, jumping back and forth between the present and years earlier, which makes it somewhat of a “challenge” to sit through. The three main characters also look fairly similar across different timelines, making it harder to tell which period you’re in unless you’re paying close attention to the details.

It’s not easy to pin down a central theme here. The script by Justin Kuritzkes can probably be best described as a study of complicated interpersonal relationships rather than a straightforward film about competitive tennis or romance.

Best friends Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) have been playing tennis for years until they meet rising star Tashi (Zendaya). Both men fall for her, but Art ultimately wins her over. Tashi then becomes his coach, manager, wife, and the mother of their child. Patrick, on the other hand, spirals downward—ending up broke and playing low-level matches just to survive. There’s also a subtle hint of homoerotic tension between Patrick and Art, though it’s mostly pushed aside until the film’s climax.

Believe it or not, there isn’t a clear-cut storyline here. What audiences get instead is a sexually charged film centered on one woman and two men. It’s a messy, complicated love triangle filled with lies, manipulation, and betrayal. Tashi appears to still have lingering feelings for Patrick despite their conflicts, while Art struggles with his fading tennis career. Despite its reputation, this isn’t exactly an erotic film. The much-talked-about threesome doesn’t play out like a Wild Things-style moment, and the nudity appears in a more unexpected context.

Tennis fans will still find something to enjoy, as the match sequences are impressively choreographed—capturing the intensity and exhaustion of a real Wimbledon match. Meanwhile, the stylish, pulsating score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is arguably more intense than what’s happening on screen.

The cast looks great, especially Zendaya, although she feels more convincing in Euphoria. No doubt, Challengers is a sleek, sexy film set in the world of tennis. But as with many Guadagnino films, it isn’t the most accessible for general audiences. The abrupt ending only adds to that frustration. Still, it remains a watchable piece perhaps best enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee