Challengers

My most anticipated 2024 film was Challengers, so I had lofty expectations for it. Thankfully, it absolutely lived up to them. The narrative follows three young tennis players, Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and Patrick Zweig (Josh O´Connor), in a complex and tense love triangle.

The film delves into the genesis of their tricky dynamic, exposing its fragility and showcasing how love can shake even the strongest bonds of friendship. We oscillate between their early days on the tennis court and their professional careers in their adult lives, revealing Tashi's unwavering focus on the sport while Art and Patrick seem adrift at various points in their lives. However, their true motivations are unveiled throughout the film, defying initial impressions. The chemistry among the trio is palpable, making for a compelling and captivating narrative. The storytelling through these temporal shifts adds intensity to the final act. The complicated love triangle consistently provided intimate moments, creating a palpable tension and anticipation throughout. During the film, the perspective continually shifts between all three main characters, keeping viewers engaged as their allegiances shift until the very end.

The performances are the film's standout feature, with all three actors delivering breathtaking performances. Zendaya embodies the cold-hearted and unempathetic Tashi flawlessly, while Mike Faist effortlessly portrays the reserved yet intelligent and kind-hearted Art. However, Josh O´Connor's portrayal of Patrick Zweig steals the show, with his brilliance shining through in nearly every scene. Yet most of all, the trio entices with their fantastic chemistry.

The score is equally impressive, as the upbeat, pop-infused soundtrack electrifies the film and lingers in the mind long after leaving the theater. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross once again delivered a fantastic and brilliant score.

Technically, the film showcases innovation and creativity, with POV camera shots during tennis matches and even sequences from the perspective of the tennis ball itself being examples of the cinematography team’s ingenuity. While not every shot or perspective appealed to me, I admire the boldness and creativity of the camerawork of Challengers.

However, a notable critique I have is the lack of explanation provided for the sport of tennis itself. Throughout the film, terminology and tournament names are thrown around without much context. While this may not pose an issue for those familiar with tennis, it could lead to confusion and frustration for viewers who are not avid followers of the sport, especially for those who were drawn to the film based on the involvement of certain actors rather than the subject matter.

The script also has its flaws. While some scenes are charged and engaging, others lack the necessary intensity, and character motivations and actions occasionally feel inconsistent. Yet, the script shines in its use of subtle moments, which often excel and enhance the viewing experience. Unfortunately, the ending is not one such moment and fell short for me due to its underwhelming nature.

Yet despite its problems, experiencing this film in theaters was an absolute joy. Though it has minor screenplay issues, its energetic and gripping narrative make it an easy recommendation. 

8/10