#REVIEW: “CHALLENGERS”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Challengers is a bold, sexy, power play that’s the most fun at the cinema in years.

The masterful Script written by Justin Kuritzkes opens at the end. We’re thrust into the world of tennis as Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor) face each other at a Challenger Match in New Rochelle, NY while former Tennis prodigy Tashi (Zendaya), who is now Art’s coach and wife, watches on. Director Luca Guadagnino closes in on the rackets hitting the ball with extreme closeups of the three’s blazoned eyes. This heart-pumping opening hints at the long, complex relationship these three share.

It’s a relationship that spans over a decade. Kuritzkes expertly uses non-linear storytelling to tell their history over the expansive time. The ‘final’ match is used as a narrative pillar to flip back and forth in time. At the Challenger Match, we understand there were many things that led to the fallout of their friendships. However, those familiar with Guadagnino will know he loves to explore stories where the relationships between characters are mysterious and haunting. He’s once again found a Script where there’s plenty of mystery to be explored and Kuritzkes delivers each delicious secret meticulously.

Where does tennis come to play in all this? Well, just as Tashi says when she first meets Art and Patrick, “Tennis is a relationship.” It’s a relationship with the player on the other side of the court. And everything within Challengers is about relationships, especially the power dynamics within them. This first meeting tells us a lot about who each of them once were. Tashi was poised to be the biggest name in tennis. Just before entering University she already had a deal with a popular sportswear brand.

From this first meeting, it’s clear the young men are completely smitten with Tashi. Patrick’s infatuated and Art’s in love. Yet, Tashi’s already married to tennis. She’s having fun toying with their emotions and imaginations. Telling them whoever wins the match tomorrow gets her number. After all, for her tennis is a relationship. A competition that is about power, control, and winning. It’s enrapturing to watch her play with the boys’ emotions and how she pits friends against each other for her pleasure. Zendaya, Faist, and O’Connor are operating on the highest caliber of talent here. Their chemistry is colossal. Faist and O’Connor give vulnerable performances and devour their characters, exposing their deepest fears and desires.

Zendaya delivers a fierce, earth-shattering performance as this tennis player who lives and dies by the sport. During Tashi’s time in University she gets a life-changing injury that obliterates the only life she desires. This makes her change tactics and lovers to one she can use to live out her dream. One she can control. Tashi’s unapologetic, goal-orientated and fearless. Some of the decisions she makes are cutthroat and cruel, yet we want her to win. This is thanks to Zendaya’s indelible charisma and the intelligent script that has everything taken from her. Thus, making her relatable.

Challengers tell an intimate story between the three players. It’s about love, power, and dreams. These are big themes within a quiet narrative of three people loving and hurting each other. Guadagnino once again makes the everyday moments between people astronomical. Under his steady direction, the audience feels their emotions are the tennis ball being hit across the court.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada releases CHALLENGERS on Friday, April 26, 2024.