“Challengers” Movie Review
“All is fair in love and tennis.” That goes for athletes Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’ Connor) in Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, “Challengers.”
The Love Triangle
Via a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards, we trace the history of a love triangle involving Tashi, Art, and Patrick. Old friends and tennis doubles partners Art and Patrick are completely smitten by the sexy, strong, and confident rising star Tashi. The three meet while they’re in their teens at the US Open, and fate has seen to it that their paths remain entwined way into adulthood.
The Dynamics
Through all the love, shared history, rivalry, bitterness, and one-upmanship, the three just can’t seem to shake each other. The exchanges between them are really not just of tennis balls but of the lines and looks being served, smashed, volleyed back and forth. Each one knowing which words will deliver the sharpest cuts.
The Cast
The cast flawlessly delivers writer Justin Kuritzkes’ brisk dialogue and zingers. They’re all adept at delivering raw emotion with just their stares and micro-expressions. Zendaya and Josh O’Connor play competitive lovers and rivals in ‘Challengers.’
If you thought Zendaya was good at expressing what Chani was feeling when Paul Atreides makes a major decision at the end of “Dune 2,” she does more talking with her eyes and face here. For fans of Josh O’Connor who was an award-winning standout as young Prince Charles in “The Crown,” it’s good to see him again.
The Soundtrack
The throbbing, fun, dance, electronica synth-pop — once again by the dynamic duo of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross — punctuates the energy and intensity of the characters and works excellently with the smashing editing.
Conclusion
More than a romance movie or tennis movie, I saw “Challengers” as a character study between people who just seem to feed off each other.
