Upon first viewing the trailer for Challengers, we found our expectations soaring. It was immediately clear that the film heavily relied on its stunning cast as a key marketing strategy. The age-old adage that body sells holds true here, as the promotional material for Challengers boldly embraces this concept. When a film showcases a leading trio of two handsome men and a beautiful woman, the overt emphasis on allure can sometimes hint at a lack of substance in other areas. However, we were ready to set aside these concerns, as our faith in Zendaya is unwavering; she has yet to disappoint us.
Plot & Storyline
Challengers chronicles the journey of three athletes as they transition from their teenage years into adulthood within the fiercely competitive realm of tennis. Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) share a close bond as former bunkmates at a boarding school, where they not only compete together in various tournaments but also face off against each other.
While Patrick is eager to turn professional as quickly as possible, often outshining Art. Art has different aspirations—he aims to play tennis at Stanford and earn a degree before pursuing a professional career. He seeks to excel in areas beyond just “hitting a ball with a racket.”
Their rivalry intensifies when they meet the rising tennis sensation Tashi Donaldson (Zendaya), leading to a fierce competition for her affection. This complicated love triangle unfolds over 13 years, from 2006 to 2019, filled with drama and emotional twists that create a captivating narrative.
It’s essential to stay alert while watching Challengers, as the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion. Zendaya takes on the role of Tashi Duncan, an emerging tennis sensation who finds herself romantically entangled with two fellow competitors on the professional circuit – Patrick Zweig, portrayed by actor Josh O’Connor, and Art Donaldson, played by actor Mike Faist.
Two young men are fiercely vying for Tashi’s affection, but only one is prepared to resort to underhanded tactics to claim her.
Even after one successfully captures Tashi’s heart, the complex web of romance among the three continues to evolve and intertwine over the years. In the end, the rivalry between these two men will circle back to where it all started – The Tennis Court.
Performances
People have little interest in tennis, but what drew them to the theater was actor Mike Faist. A friend once remarked that he found Mike Faist unattractive, but clearly, he lacks the insight to appreciate true talent.
Director Luca Guadagnino, on the other hand, fully grasps this vision. He masterfully builds tension throughout the film, making the stakes for the characters transcend mere victories or defeats on the court. Tashi, in particular, seems to thrive on making decisions influenced by the outcomes of tennis matches.
The film’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary. The actors brought to life remarkable scenes and interactions, showcasing a natural chemistry that is vital to the intricate relationships woven throughout the story.
It would be remiss not to highlight Darnell Appling’s standout role as the umpire in the climactic match.
Zendaya’ portrayal of Tashi is seamless, and we were genuinely taken aback by how effectively she made us feel a strong aversion towards her character.
Josh O’Connor is undeniably charming, and we anticipate that Mike Faist will soon be in high demand in Hollywood. This film truly serves as a showcase for its stars, revolving around these three unique and captivating characters.
Drawbacks
1) If we had one critique of Guadagnino’s work, it would be the overly pronounced sound of the kissing scenes. They felt a bit excessive. A little restraint would enhance the experience.
2) It would be unwise for us to overlook the excitement surrounding the release of this film. The trailer for Challengers created a massive buzz online, leaving audiences eager to witness the chaotic love triangle unfold. However, as we watched the movie, it became evident that we had already anticipated every twist and turn.
3) The trailer revealed all the key plot points, robbing the film of its surprises. And surprise, surprise! A love triangle in a film about love triangles—who could have seen that coming ?
4) The film’s marketing significantly restricts its potential, as it would have thrived had the audience not been so well-prepared for each plot twist.
Gripping Thriller
Tashi’s injury is pivotal to the story, yet we found our self wishing we hadn’t predicted it, especially since it was laid out in the trailer. Each time she stepped onto the tennis court, we were left wondering if this would be the moment she faced her big injury.
Conclusion
Challengers delivers an abundance of drama, yet the challenge lies in the fact that it presents only what we anticipated. While our expectations are certainly satisfied, it leaves us questioning what lies beyond that initial fulfillment. What more can we discover ?
If you haven’t watched the trailer for Challengers yet, it’s best to skip it. Experiencing the film without prior knowledge of the plot will enhance your enjoyment significantly. We found our self wishing we could have relished the movie as much as we did the trailer. Challengers is now available at Amazon Prime Video.