Challengers (2024)

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Have you ever wondered how the back-and-forth of a tennis match mirrors the intricate dynamics of human relationships? The strategic volleys, the calculated returns, the constant battle for control – it’s a fascinating metaphor for the push and pull of love, rivalry, and the unspoken power struggles that define our interactions. Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers takes this metaphor and introduces us to three complex characters locked in a passionate, years-long dance across a metaphorical court. Their intertwined destinies play out like a dramatic match, where every serve echoes a hidden emotion and every rally a clash of wills.

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This match plays out across thirteen years, jumping between the present day and the past, where our central trio first crossed paths. In the present, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), a renowned tennis player nearing the twilight of his career, chases his elusive US Open win with his coach and wife, Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), by his side. Tashi, a former prodigy forced to abandon her own playing career due to injury, desperately wants Art to secure this victory, perhaps even more than he does himself. To reignite his confidence, Tashi enters Art into a low-stakes challenger tournament outside of New York City.

Their journey is not just about tennis; it’s about the complexities of love, rivalry, and unresolved emotions. Fate throws a curveball when Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), a charismatic and enigmatic figure from their shared past, also enters the competition. Patrick and Art were once inseparable best friends and tennis partners, but their bond fractured years ago under the weight of a shared infatuation with Tashi. The tension between them is palpable, especially as Patrick’s presence rekindles unresolved emotions and conflicts, setting the stage for a dramatic clash between the two men, a collision years in the making, with Tashi caught in the crossfire.

Despite strong performances, Challengers grapples with casting and narrative structure issues that detract from its exploration of time’s passage. The thirteen-year gap feels unconvincing, especially with Zendaya looking remarkably youthful despite playing a character significantly older. This visual disconnect is amplified by Tashi having a young child, making Zendaya’s presence in the motherly role more jarring. The film suffers from frequent and abrupt jumps between past and present, disrupting the story’s flow and failing to build tension or connect emotionally with the evolving characters and relationships.

Additionally, the film’s marketing heavily emphasized a passionate love triangle, fueled by strong chemistry and the director’s reputation for sensual themes in films like “Call Me By Your Name”. Trailers teased simmering sexual tension between characters. However, the actual film presents a more restrained portrayal of relationships, with occasional hints of suggestive dialogue and lingering glances. Most “steamy” elements are kept off-screen or suggested, which may leave viewers expecting more intense exploration of the love triangle feeling slightly disappointed.

However, Challengers truly shines in its technical prowess. The electronic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross propels the narrative forward, capturing the exhilaration and tension of competitive tennis. Its pulsating rhythm mirrors match intensity, quickening in scenes between characters and mimicking spectators’ head movements for an immersive experience. The film’s cinematography seamlessly transitions between scenes, presenting matches in a unique, high-energy manner. From victory to defeat, camera work and score harmonize, amplifying emotional resonance and creating a deeply immersive experience.

Ultimately, Challengers serves up an intriguing exploration of human relationships through the lens of competitive tennis. While the casting and narrative choices stumble a bit, the film shines in its technical aspects, especially for a massive Nine Inch Nails fan like myself. Reznor and Ross’s pulsating score is a true highlight, injecting much-needed energy into an otherwise flawed execution. It’s a captivating watch, even if it doesn’t quite hit a grand slam.