Challengers Review: Never have I routed more for a throuple.

Three people, when separate, count and depend on each other in the unhealthiest way possible, but together? They seem like a force to be reckoned with. Challengers is a film that reminds you of why you love film so much, why you love going to the cinema anticipating a release, silently screaming, whispering, and gasping whether you’re alone or with friends. It reintroduces to you the magic of movie making, and how that feeling can fill up your entire being in the best way possible. Challengers is the definition of why I am absolutely in love with cinema.

Even if you don’t love tennis or have any feelings towards it whatsoever, after challengers you’ll absolutely finding yourself viewing this sport in a very different way. Luca Guadagnino. This man deserves every single award and accolade for the masterpiece he has created within Challengers. True Art. From the moment the film begins, the camera is used as such a clever tool to mimic the feelings and atmosphere of the film from the get-go. A shot that absolutely floored me was at the start of the film, our first introduction to Tashi (Zendaya), with the camera coming up from behind the umpire (Darnell Appling) and gliding down in the smoothest motion gently moving forwards and closer towards Tashi watching the Challengers game between Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh o’Connor) I had chills. The cinematography, Luca’s ability of capturing every single emotion so perfectly is outstanding, the slo-mo shots, the extreme close ups showcasing every drip of sweat, to the chilling emotions of the characters. The tennis match perspective shot from below looking up, he is truly a master of his craft, and his experimental work leaves you in absolute awe. It adds further to the already present admiration of the characters and plot of the movie.

The ACTING. I have to say, Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor put their absolute everything into this film. Zendaya, a force to be reckoned with. Such a different range of emotions and the beauty, intimacy, intensity and even intellect that she carries Tashi with was breath-taking. She perfectly allows us as an audience to feel a sense of frustration with her character, but at the same time allows us to empathise with her. A powerhouse performance from an actress that is truly cementing her status as a star in the industry. The scene in which Tashi and Art are having a conversation in bed the night before Art’s match with Patrick, her delivery and emotions were next level. “If you don’t win tomorrow, I’ll leave you” – the gasps this emitted from the audience, but her emotions so clear and vulnerable on her face. It allowed us a brutally honest insight into the character of Tashi within such a small moment simply from the look on her face. An incredible performance.

Josh as Patrick was honestly so refreshing, blunt and honest about his flaws as well as a large part of this trio dynamic that bounces off of each other throughout the whole film in not a healthy way at all. Josh’s performance carrying Patrick as a complex, yet playful character was so beautifully executed, you couldn’t help but feel charmed, but also judge him. His coy smile speaking so loudly, particularly in the outstanding last 10 minutes of the film.

Mike, I have to say those last couple scenes absolutely sold his performance. He takes the edge just slightly over the other two in those final moments, the subtle expressions, the movement, it was just so cleverly and eloquently executed by Mike and I couldn't help being in awe. Presented as a insecure and kind character, to also having a bite to him in scenes where we are provided a glimpse into a more manipulative side. Allowing himself to be played but also at the start of the film a catalyst for the rest of the plot.

What I really enjoyed in the film was the dynamic between Art and Patrick, it sticks to me the use of the word “homewrecker” by Tashi a few times in the film. A perfectly healthy, and fun close friendship between two boys, breaking down after going after the same girl. But what I find the most intruging is the constant allusions of homoeroticism in scenes. Subtle yet powerful. The churro scene, biting off each other’s food, Patrick pulling the stool towards him as Art goes to sit down. The rolling around with each other after wins or chasing each other for hugs. References to their first sexual encounter when they were younger with Art shyer about it and Patrick much more open and teasing. The sauna scene also seems relevant in this case, as the tension In this scene not just due to a long overdue reunion between the two after the breakdown of their relationship, but also once again a erotic atmosphere attached to it. Finally, the last scene, there seems to be a breakthrough as the truth of Tashi’s infidelity is revealed.

The smiles they both send towards each other adds so much to the experience of the film, and the final hug shared emphasising how well they match together. I felt like I myself was breathless while watching, like I myself was playing tennis… so immersed in everything taking place on screen. Going back to the start of the film, Tashi states to them both “Tennis is a relationship… like you’re in love in that moment”. This ending feels perfectly done, with Tashi finally seeing the two boys involved in a Tennis game involving everything that she believes is the meaning of tennis, and Art and Patrick finding some semblance of joy again, cyclical to the beginning when they were young and playing tennis together.

Challengers is truly every film lover’s dream, and it’s also extremely satisfying to have a love triangle like Luca mentioned where all corners of the triangle meet. The acting, the cinematography, even the score all fit so well together like a puzzle. Challengers is a true masterpiece and a 10/10.

Luca, Zendaya, Mike, and Josh all served so so hard.