Challengers, Luca Guadagnino’s newest drama, has everything you would expect; Zendaya as a powerful leading lady, a steamy yet compelling love triangle and most notably a central premise that prevails throughout the film: the only thing that matters is tennis.
Fluctuating between the past and present, the movie revolves around a low level pro tournament, known as a “Challenger” event. The film follows the final match of the competition between high school best friends and former tennis partners, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor). On one side of the net is Donaldson, an esteemed player and grand slam champion attempting to overcome his recent losing streak, and across from him is Zweig, a once promising talent attempting to qualify for his final go at Wimbledon. The ever-growing divide between the pair over the years comes from their shared love for Tashi Donaldson (Zendaya), Donaldson’s now wife and Zweig’s former girlfriend. Tashi was once an up and coming tennis star but upon a serious knee injury was unable to continue her professional career, now relegated to only coaching.
After initially dating Zweig, Tashi later marries Donaldson- and becomes his coach. She is set on getting him to the U.S. Open before his inevitable retirement, hoping to elevate his career to the heights she was never able to reach herself. The drama of the three’s relationship comes to a breaking point when Donaldson and Zweig must face off in the final round of the Challengers tournament, which Tashi had entered Donaldson into as means to elevate his confidence.
Watching this film was like following the most intense of tennis matches, you simply cannot look away. It’s effortlessly riveting, entangling the audience in its web as the leads volley mind games back and forth, manipulating not only each other, but the audience as well. Zendaya portrays Tashi’s complicated personality with intensity and expertise; a hopeful teenager turned bitter tennis coach, Tashi’s hardened exterior and often unclear motives leave the audience constantly questioning whether she is a hero or a villain. Her seemingly emotionless manipulation of the boys only progresses over the years exposing her one true love: the game of tennis.
The movie keeps its audience on the edge of their seats throughout, slowly revealing the full story of how the trio all arrived at this final moment in the Challengers tournament. The constant ups and downs make the story unpredictably suspenseful and fun, leaving moviegoers with their jaws on the floor by the time the final match is decided. In a captivating and intense display of passion, love and all things tennis, the cast truly shines in bringing these characters to life. It easily draws in all in attendance, and leaves them breathlessly wanting more of the action. Whether an avid tennis fan or simply looking for a solid flick, this extremely well done movie is perfect for any audience.
