I’ve been waiting for another Luca Guadagnino film, and Challengers was absolutely worth the wait. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, where emotions unravel slowly, and by the time the tension peaks, you realize you’ve been holding your breath. It reminds me of that classic storytelling technique—showing a gun in the first scene and later using it for the climactic murder. While there are no literal murders here, thank God, Guadagnino plays with that same narrative suspense, carefully building up emotions like love, jealousy, envy, and grief, before delivering moments that hit hard, all through the medium of sport.
The story follows two friends, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), who meet at boarding school and share a deep passion for tennis. They dream of going pro, pushing each other to their limits, when Tashi (Zendaya) enters their lives. There’s a line in the movie where the two men admit, “We don’t usually have the same taste in women, but Tashi is everyone’s type.” It’s a perfect way to describe Zendaya’s presence in the film—irresistible and magnetic, she effortlessly becomes the axis around which their friendship, rivalry, and emotions spin.
The performances are outstanding. Mike Faist, in particular, is a revelation—his portrayal of Art is deeply nuanced, with raw vulnerability and strength. Josh O’Connor matches that intensity as Patrick, and Zendaya delivers a performance that is both powerful and understated. Together, their chemistry creates an emotional tension that feels so real, it’s palpable. But what elevates Challengers beyond just a love triangle is how the game of tennis plays a leading role in the film.
Tennis isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a metaphor for the delicate balance of relationships. The passion, dedication, and rivalry between the characters mirror the intensity of a tennis match, where every shot counts. For someone who grew up playing sports, I connected instantly with the story. Even if you don’t know much about tennis, Guadagnino pulls you into the game, making you feel the stakes. By the end, I found myself in love with tennis as a game, despite having never been a fan before.
What really stands out is how Challengers portrays complex emotions—jealousy, love, grief—without overt dramatics. The subtlety is the film’s strength, with Luca Guadagnino once again proving that he’s a master at crafting stories where emotions simmer just beneath the surface, ready to explode. His dynamic camerawork and atmospheric background score add depth to every scene, pulling you further into the world of the characters.
And yet, despite all of this, I can’t help but wonder—why isn’t Challengers getting the attention it deserves? With such a talented cast, a powerful narrative, and Guadagnino’s brilliant direction, this film should be at the forefront of the conversation. Luca is an artist who lets the audience immerse themselves in the story and form their own interpretations, and this movie is no exception. The screenplay, in particular, is a show-stealer, blending heartache and ambition into a beautifully crafted narrative.
Challengers is currently streaming on Netflix, and once you start watching, you won’t want to pause it. Do yourself a favor and dive into this emotional, artistic triumph—it’s one of the most captivating films I’ve seen in a while. Go watch it now.