Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, turned her husband into a champion. But to overcome a losing streak, he needs to face his ex-best friend and Tashi's ex-boyfriend.
Luca Guadagnino’s film Challengers delves into the world of tennis but uses the sport as a metaphor for deeper themes of desire, ambition, and power. The film, penned by Justin Kuritzkes and featuring stars Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor, and Zendaya, goes beyond the tennis court to explore the intricate and intense relationships among its main characters. This review unpacks the various layers of the movie, highlighting its complex narrative, character dynamics, and artistic elements.
Challengers is not your typical sports drama. While it revolves around the lives of professional tennis players, the game serves as a backdrop for a more profound exploration of human relationships and desires. The film moves back and forth in time, chronicling the lives of Patrick (Mike Faist), Art (Josh O'Connor), and Tashi (Zendaya). Patrick and Art meet at a tennis academy at the age of twelve, forming a friendship that is both intense and competitive. They start their careers on the tennis circuit as the duo "Fire and Ice."
The narrative introduces Tashi, a promising tennis player headed to Stanford, who becomes a pivotal figure in both their lives. The film navigates their early careers and the evolving dynamics of their relationships. Art, initially a shy and sweet kid, blossoms into a champion under Tashi’s guidance, while Patrick, a more flamboyant character, capitalizes on his rising fame. Despite the shared goal of tennis success, their motivations differ, with Tashi's passion for the game driving Art’s ambition.
At the heart of Challengers is the complex relationship triangle among the three characters. Tashi is portrayed as a strong and confident woman whose passion for tennis transcends her relationships with Art and Patrick. Zendaya excels in the role, especially in scenes where her character’s determination and allure are vividly displayed. Her early appearance on the tennis court, exuding confidence, sets the tone for the infatuation and competition that follows.
The film subtly addresses the sexual tension between Patrick and Art, which is a constant undercurrent. Their relationship, though seemingly platonic, is charged with unspoken lust and rivalry. Tashi’s presence adds another layer to this dynamic, serving as a catalyst for both connection and conflict between the two men. Guadagnino’s provocative staging and the non-linear narrative thrust viewers into various moments of this intense love affair, often leaving them to interpret unspoken emotions and desires.
Guadagnino’s direction, paired with Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s cinematography, captures the raw emotions and intensity of the characters’ interactions. The tennis scenes are shot with a unique tenacity, employing bird’s-eye views, racket-mounted cameras, and shots mimicking the perspective of a tennis ball. These techniques immerse the audience in the action, making the matches more than just a backdrop but a reflection of the characters’ internal struggles.
The film’s visual symbolism is also noteworthy. The use of phallic imagery—hot dogs, bananas, and churros—subtly hints at the underlying sexual tension and the inevitable culmination of the characters’ desires. This predictability, however, doesn’t detract from the film’s allure but rather enhances the viewer's anticipation of the unfolding drama.
The score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is a significant element that ties the film together. The relentless, thumping beat, supplemented by violin flourishes and vocal samples, creates an almost hypnotic rhythm that aligns with the film’s pacing. The techno and electronic influences are unexpected for a sports drama, yet they add a unique layer of intensity and modernity to the film. Guadagnino’s choice of score aims to make the audience want to dance, mirroring the pulsating energy of the characters’ lives and relationships.
Challengers is not just a film about tennis; it’s a deep dive into the complexities of human desire, ambition, and power dynamics. The sport serves as a metaphor for the push and pull of the central love triangle, with each serve and volley representing the characters' emotional exchanges. The film’s non-linear structure keeps the audience engaged, constantly shifting between moments of tension and tenderness.
The performances by Faist, O’Connor, and Zendaya are compelling, bringing depth to characters that might otherwise feel distant due to their complexities. The sexual flirtation, competitive spirit, and unspoken lust among the trio create a palpable tension that drives the narrative forward.
Guadagnino’s provocative direction and Kuritzkes’ intricate screenplay, complemented by Mukdeeprom’s immersive cinematography and the unique score by Reznor and Ross, make Challengers a multifaceted film. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface of a sports drama and delve into the underlying themes of human connection and desire.
Challengers is a film that resonates on multiple levels. It uses tennis as a metaphor to explore deeper themes, making it more about the characters' internal games than the external sport. Guadagnino’s masterful storytelling, combined with stellar performances and innovative cinematic techniques, ensures that Challengers leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
Challengers was released in NZ cinemas on April 18, 2024