Challengers

Challengers is a 2024 sports drama, directed by Luca Guadagnino, written by Justin  Kuritzkes, and starring Zendaya, Josh O’ Connor and Mike Faist. The plot concerns Tashi Duncan, a former tennis player turned coach, who helps her husband, Art Donaldson stage a career comeback by becoming a Grand Slam Champion. The past soon catches up with them however, when Art learns he must face off against his former best friend and Tashi’s former lover, Patrick Zweig, in a challenger event. Zendaya also serves as the film’s producer, alongside Guadagnino, Amy Pascal and Rachel O’ Connor. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, previously a two time collaborator of Guadagnino’s, is the film’s cinematographer. 

Let me start by saying, in recent years there’s certainly been no shortage of movies about tennis. Battle of the Sexes, Borg v.s. McEnroe, and Wimbledon are just a few examples. While it’s not a stretch to say those were well-made flicks, when the time came for the climatic  dual, the ball was completely dropped, no pun intended. At most, a couple careful zooms were implemented to keep up the dramatic momentum. Occasionally, the camera would abruptly switch sides while remaining a safe distance away. Thankfully Challengers immediately bucks those boring conventions. Unlike their predecessors, Guadagnino and Mukdeeprom plunge viewers into the heart of the game, employing dynamic camera angles and a hyperactive soundtrack to pump up the action. In one scene, the camera tracks the trajectory of the ball over the net, before suddenly dropping the audience into the other player’s shoes as he strives to return it. This exciting visual display had me literally on the edge of my seat, flinching at every pulse-pounding serve.

Beyond the spectacle of the on-the-court moments though, Challengers delves deep into the complex personal relationships between its lead characters, with each actor delivering a performance that far exceeded my expectations. As the narrative shifts back and forth in time, the missing pieces of their collective past are filled in and Art Donaldson and Patrick Zweig’s rivalry is further defined. Amidst themes of ambition and redemption, Justin Kuritzkes’s script  masterfully explores the human desire for validation, which manifests differently for each  member of the central triumvirate. Art’s quest to regain his former glory and the respect of his  wife, Patrick’s yearning for championship status, and Tashi’s struggle with her insecurities and  limitations intertwine in a gripping tale of passion and perseverance. 

Challengers is a mesmerizing masterstroke, showcasing the remarkable talent of its creators, cast and crew throughout every gorgeously constructed scene. With its nuanced and unique portrayal of a classic love triangle and the relentless pursuit of athletic success, Guadagnino’s movie transcends genre boundaries to deliver a resonant storytelling experience. Of course, it would be nice if Challengers managed to leave an indelible mark on cinematic history, and I believe it will. More importantly though, I hope that here in the present Challengers challenges audiences to redefine their expectations of modern filmmaking so studios take note and similar high quality pictures are made.