Challengers (2024)

Luca Guadagnino’s latest, Challengers, throws viewers onto the centre court of a passionate but messy love triangle. Tashi (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach, is desperate to reignite the fading flame of her husband Art’s (Mike Faist) career. Her unorthodox solution? Enter Patrick (Josh O’Connor), Art’s estranged best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, into a low-level challenger event. Let’s just say things get complicated—fast. 

On paper, Challengers has all the ingredients for a gripping neo-noir drama. The sizzling chemistry between Zendaya and Faist is undeniable, and the psychological warfare that unfolds between the three leads is initially captivating. However, the film quickly fumbles its potential. The plot, while intriguing at its core, takes nonsensical detours that leave the audience feeling lost. The editing, with its jumpy cuts and unnecessary slow-motion sequences, disrupts the narrative flow rather than enhancing it. The dialogue, riddled with cliches and overly dramatic pronouncements, feels like a bad tennis pun—all forehand, no finesse. 

Guadagnino’s direction is a mixed bag. There are moments of visual brilliance, like the camerawork that mimics the frenetic energy of a high-stakes tennis match. But these glimpses are overshadowed by a general lack of focus. The film’s pacing is uneven, lurching between drawn-out melodrama and rushed plot points. The use of symbolism is heavy-handed, with shots lingering on tennis balls and trophies as if the audience needs the emotional subtext spelt out. 

The saving grace of Challengers lies in its central performances. Zendaya delivers a fierce and committed portrayal of Tashi, a woman consumed by ambition and a flicker of unresolved feelings. O’Connor is equally compelling as the brooding Patrick, his character simmering with resentment and a hint of vulnerability. Faist, however, struggles with the underwritten role of Art, who mostly functions as a pawn in the emotional tug-of-war.

While the film attempts to explore themes of ambition, love, and betrayal, it all feels a bit surface-level. There’s a lack of depth to the characters’ motivations, and the emotional payoffs fall flat. Compared to classic sports dramas that delve into the complexities of the athlete’s psyche, Challengers feels like a missed volley. 

Ultimately, Challengers is a frustrating watch. It boasts undeniable star power and intriguing thematic potential, but squanders it all with a convoluted plot, questionable direction, and clunky writing. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking sports drama or a steamy love triangle, this film is a double fault.

(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)