The plot follows Tashi (Zendaya) as she attempts to coach her husband Art (Mike Faist), a tennis star on a losing streak back to his old winning ways. However, this is complicated by the reappearance of Patrick (Josh O'Connor), Tashi's former lover and Art's former best friend as Art and Patrick go head to head in a Challenger event. The film jumps between tenses to provide a full account of the three's relationship to present day - it's a lot of dirty play both on and off the court.
Whether they're fucking or feuding, one thing's for sure - it's passionate
The tension between the three practically pulsates through the screen with the assistance of the soundtrack, as the beats intensify as each serve is made - whether that be with a racket or off the tongue. The lines are blurred between the three as we understand their relationship to be fluid, with hints of homoeroticism between Art and Patrick alongside their more blatant pining for Tashi. Whether they're fucking or feuding, one thing's for sure - it's passionate.
All three of the main actors deliver an exceptionally convincing performance - with Zendaya calling the shots as wife-in-charge, Faist as the obedient husband with manipulative tendencies, and O'Connor as the washed up sleaze with an infectious half-smile. The ability of the film to provide these three separate perspectives is a testament to Guadagnino's incredible direction. For all the switching between tenses, characters, and objects - as the camera shifts to a tennis ball's point of view temporarily - the film does not feel disjointed. The transitions are executed flawlessly and allow the narrative depth rather than overwhelming it.
It's a three-way dynamic that'll keep your eyes jumping to each side of the pitch to not miss a single shot.
Challengers is in cinemas now.
