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“Challengers” serves up a kinetic back and forth

Much like a tennis ball going back and forth, critics and audiences have been going back and forth about Luca Guadagnino’s newest film “Challengers,” which debuted in theaters in April 2024. With stellar performances tied into a gripping, well-edited and well-scored screenplay, this film kept those watching glued to the story’s metaphorical tennis court.

Guadagnino is most well-known for his previous films that have the ability to touch on deep interpersonal subject matter, such as the critically acclaimed 2017 film “Call Me By Your Name” and his other 2024 film “Queer.” For his newest film, Guadagnino collaborated with up-and-coming screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, who also worked on the screenplay for “Queer” to develop the story.

The film is told in a nonlinear order, as it recounts the events of two close friends, Art Donaldson, played by Mike Faist, and Patrick Zweig, played by Josh O’Connor, who are fierce competitors in tennis. During a tour at the US Open, the two come in contact with women’s tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan, played by Zendaya, where the three end up forming an intimate relationship. As Art and Tashi attend Stanford University, Patrick and Art slowly grow apart as Patrick’s more laid-back relationship with tennis is strained in the face of fierce competition, as well as Art and Tashi becoming closer. As the years go by, Art and Tashi’s brand enterprise is put on edge, not only with the prospect of Art facing early retirement, but also having to face the challenge of beating Patrick in the grand finals of a tennis tournament.

The film revolves around the idea that tennis isn’t just about winning, but also about forming a relationship with your opponent and learning their playing styles. The excellent performances between all three leads exemplifies the well-defined love triangle. The relationships explored in this film can especially be seen between Patrick and Art. As their contact is eventually severed, Art aims to completely leave his past behind, while also carrying the burden that he will never beat his old rival. The writing also creates a very clear gray area where not everybody’s actions are considered moral, though you root for their bond to rekindle regardless.

The film’s execution, when it comes to editing and cinematography, is also highly commendable. The way the film is shot is extremely varied as well as eye-catching, and portrays the kinetic back-and-forth of a tennis match with justice. Because the film is told in non-chronological order, the editing style makes the audience follow the constant switching between the past and the present, almost reminiscent of watching an actual tennis ball travel mid match.

The score is shockingly fantastic, composed by the legendary industrial musicians Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The soundtrack gives a blood-pumping mix of electronic and house beats that embody the intensity of playing tennis matches as well as the intimacy and personal drama in the relationships of the main characters.

Between the cinematography, editing, score and stellar performances, the unique and purposeful approach taken when piecing together the story’s larger themes of relationships and competition make “Challengers” a film that catches you at the start and delivers a grand slam by the end.


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