“Whose side are you on?” was the phrase uttered when leaving the theatre after Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers.
After watching it in a full cinema, it’s clear this film pulls you in. There are people on the edge of their seats, jaws dropping and lots of grins.
It’s so powerful it splits the room. In three.
The film, starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist portrays a complex and dynamic relationship between their characters Tashi Duncan, Patrick Zweig and Art Donaldson. It’s the messy relationship between these three characters that creates tension between the audience. It’s no longer team Jacob or Edward. It’s now team Tashi, Patrick or Art.
Their complicated feelings towards each other and how they act on them determines which team you’re on. Let’s just say, you’ll need to see the film yourself to get an idea of where you land, which, according to Zendaya, can also change based on multiple viewings.
"You watch it again, and I guarantee your opinion will change… Every time, I'm angry at a different character or I feel more passionate about a different character, feel heartbroken... Your opinions will change every time you watch it. And that's the fun part about the film. You never really have the answers you want, and that makes you question everything."
It is the performances of these actors that stand out in this film. Their subtle expressions and their chemistry together are what make a film like this. They’re selling sex, without having a single sex scene. Not many actors can do that.
Mike Faist as Art Donaldson sells innocent well. Josh O’Connor as Patrick Zweig sells sex-driven well and Zendaya sells disappointment well. They demonstrate their skill in representing complicated and messy characters. Leaving the audience to question whether they love their characters or at other points, hate them. It’s their performances that put this film on a new level.
However, the electric score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross fuels the plot. As soon as you hear that techno beat you know some shit is about to go down. It pumps the heart and gets the adrenaline going. Just like tennis, it brings you to the edge of your seat. It’s different to your typical film score, as there’s a lack of classical instruments. But that’s what makes it so addictive to listen to.
The score, along with the incredible cinematography, creates a pairing unlike any other. The point-of-view shots, particularly in the challenger match that takes place throughout the film, are examples of some of the most creative cinematography in recent years. At some points we are the ball, we’re Art at others, we’re Patrick. At some point, we’re even the tennis court on which the characters are playing. It’s this mix that can only make you want more.
If you’re familiar with Luca Guadagnino’s work, you’ll know that every single film hits different. Call Me By Your Name? Hits different. Bones and All? Hits different.
It’s much the same here. Challengers? Hits different.
Whether you're after a sexy film with brilliant actors or as Tashi Duncan puts it, some “good fucking tennis” then scribble down Challengers on your watch list, you won’t want to miss it.
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