The film is based on a series of talented tennis players (Image: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures/Niko Tavernise. All Rights Reserved)
Since its release, viewers have been left stunned by the film’s vibrant and well-thought-out visuals, electrifying soundtrack and dramatic storyline which is sure to appeal to any tennis fan.
The sport is central to the film‘s setting, as we meet three players in their early careers who each develop relationships as complicated as their playing techniques. Spanning the course of 13 years, we follow them along on a journey filled with highs and lows, wins and losses and unanswered questions that leave you scratching your head.
Challengers is the 2024 American romance sports film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, a filmmaker who has made a name for himself through eroticism and lavish visuals. With him at the helm, and a cast of young and fresh actors such as Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist at the centre of it all, it was sure to turn heads.
It begins in the early days of their careers as teenage stars in college and takes viewers on a journey of more than a decade as they navigate the love triangle between a tennis player-turned coach and her ex-boyfriend, a lower-circuit tennis player, and her champion husband.
But all these years of friendship, romance, and betrayal boil down to this one match between the two men years later on the ATP Challenger Tour.
The film sees Zendaya in one of her first leading movie roles (Image: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved)
A fan of the film shared their thoughts in a review on Rotten Tomatoes. It reads: “Challengers isn’t just a sports drama or a love triangle, it’s a charged exploration of ambition, power, jealousy, and desire.
“Luca Guadagnino weaves past and present effortlessly, letting relationships evolve in messy, fascinating ways. Zendaya is magnetic, with Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor matching her beat for beat, creating electric chemistry throughout.”
Another view described the film as: “Stylish, sweaty, and spiky, though its coolness may keep some viewers at arm’s length.”
One of the film’s most notable elements, picked up by viewers online and recognised across the industry, was its unique soundtrack that helped to build tension throughout. Among the film’s accolades were four nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, and it went on to take home the award for Best Original Score.
The film’s storyline spans 13 years (Image: AP)
An element of the story that remains unclarified is the relationship between the two male players, who started out as best friends in college and went on to become rivals. Throughout, some viewers argue there is a sexual tension not just between Zendaya’s character as a love interest but between the both of them, making some dub it an LGBTQ film.
It’s these unanswered questions and nonlinear narrative that draws viewers in and leaves them wanting more. While some may have started the film as a fan of tennis, they leave taking away a lot more.
Challengers is now available to stream for free at home on BBC iPlayer as you take a break from the real-life action unfolding at Wimbledon.