Game, Set, Match - A ‘Challengers’ Film Review
by William Lindus
Luca Guadagnino's Challengers transcends the typical sports drama, weaving an intricate tapestry of emotions and relationships against the backdrop of competitive tennis. This isn’t a film about tennis, nor is it a film about relationships; to Guadagnino and the characters of Challengers, there is not difference between the two. Tennis is a relationship, and to these characters, their relationships can only be defined by tennis. This film is both about the sport, and it isn’t; more apt, it's about the volatile intersection of the personal matches played off the court.
At the heart of the narrative is Tashi, portrayed with a fiery intensity by Zendaya. Once a shining star in the tennis world, her ascent is brutally halted by a devastating knee injury. Transitioning from player to coach, Tashi now pours her thwarted ambitions into her husband Art, played with a nuanced vulnerability by Mike Faist. Art has risen to the heights that were once destined for Tashi, complete with sponsorship deals and championship titles. However, as his career begins to plateau and he faces a losing streak, Tashi, in a bid to rekindle his competitive spirit, signs him up for a tournament in New Rochelle. This is no ordinary tournament, however, as Art’s former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick, played by Josh O’Connor, is also competing. O’Connor brings a complex blend of messy swagger and conflict to the role, encapsulating the third vertex of the film’s central love triangle.
The film's structure is a complex dance between past and present. Guadagnino skillfully uses the present-day tournament in New Rochelle as an anchor, from which the narrative jumps back to key moments over the past 13 years. These flashbacks are not mere expository snippets but are emotionally charged scenes that map out the intricate relationships between Tashi, Art, and Patrick. From their youthful days at Stanford, filled with dreams and camaraderie, to the palpable tension and rivalry that grows as both men gravitate towards Tashi, the backstory enriches the drama unfolding in the present.
Challengers is steeped in melodrama, yet it never feels overwrought. This balance is achieved through Guadagnino's deft direction and the screenplay’s deep empathy towards its characters. Each character is flawed, sometimes unlikable, yet their desires and motives are portrayed with such sincerity that it's impossible not to be drawn into their emotional whirlpool. You find yourself rooting for each of them, even though you know their paths to success might lead to each other's undoing.
The tennis scenes themselves are kinetic and visceral. Even as someone who knows little about the sport, I was able to easily grasp every point, every game, and every set thrilling. The physical matches mirror the personal conflicts, with each stroke and strategy reflecting the characters' inner turmoil and longings. The way the camera captures the swift movements and intense focuses of the players adds a layer of immediacy and urgency to the film.
Accompanying the visual and narrative intensity is the film’s score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Drawing inspiration from '90s rave music, the soundtrack is pulsating and propulsive, underscoring the film’s themes of ambition and desire. The music not only augments the film's tension but also its sensuality, reflecting the characters' raw and often juvenile emotions as they navigate through their complicated relationships.
Bottom Line: Challengers is a cinematic feat that brilliantly melds the energy of a sports drama with the depth of a complex relationship study. It’s a film that, while initially misleading with a cheesy trailer, delivers a multifaceted exploration of what it means to love, compete, and ultimately, confront the consequences of one's ambitions. Guadagnino, along with a stellar cast and creative team, elevates what could have been a typical genre film into a poignant, thrilling narrative that captures the heart and doesn't let go. It's a film that knows its game and plays it with exceptional skill and emotional resonance.
4 out of 5 Bear Paws