Challengers: A Film by Luca Guadagnino
Challengers Review
Introduction
Challengers is the latest film from Luca Guadagnino,
the filmmaker behind Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All. In this film,
Tashi, played by Zendaya, is married to a tennis champion on a losing streak.
Her strategy for her husband's redemption takes a surprising turn when he must
face off against his former best friend and Tashi's former boyfriend.
Challengers Trailer
Luca Guadagnino's Unique Storytelling
If you've seen Call Me by Your Name, Bones and All, or
even his Suspiria remake, you know that Luca Guadagnino doesn't tackle simple
stories. Even though Challengers is presented as a love triangle through the
lens of tennis, nothing about the way he helms this movie is typical.
Tennis Matches: A Fresh Perspective
The tennis matches in Challengers are depicted in
increasingly varied ways. Sometimes, the matches are shown in long takes, other
times more simply. Occasionally, the camera takes the point of view of the
ball, offering a dynamic, changing perspective that keeps the tennis action
engaging.
Soundtrack: A Double-Edged Sword
The soundtrack is aggressive, reminiscent of late '90s
techno, and is played loudly during both tennis matches and character
arguments. While this choice underscores the intensity of the scenes, it can
sometimes overpower the dialogue, becoming abrasive. This might be intentional
to highlight the volatile nature of the relationships depicted in the film.
Stellar Performances
The cast, led by Zendaya, completely disappears into
their roles. Despite her fame, Zendaya's portrayal of Tashi is ruthless and
believable. The film explores the theme of what happens to a relationship when
it's built around a career and one person loses interest in that career.
Toxic Relationships and Romance Films
A recurring critique in romance films, including Challengers,
is the portrayal of toxic relationships. While these characters are awful to
and for each other, this drama is essential for a compelling story. Just as
action movies need explosions and chases, romance movies need conflict to be
engaging.
A Pointless Addition: The Daughter
Zendaya’s character’s daughter seems like a rather
pointless addition to the story. She holds little meaning and is barely
acknowledged, making her seem like an unnecessary plot element that adds
minimal tension between the relationships.
The Importance of Attention
Challengers requires your laser-focused attention. The
film jumps between timelines frequently, enhancing the drama of the present-day
tennis matches as you learn more about the characters' pasts. This structure
keeps the narrative riveting, shifting your empathy and perspectives on the
characters seamlessly.
Conclusion
With Luca Guadagnino's incredible direction, fantastic editing, unique use of score, and three terrific performances, Challengers is highly recommended. The film offers a compelling narrative, especially if you're a tennis fan, as it features extensive and exciting tennis action. Even for those not typically interested in tennis, the film presents the sport in an engaging way.
Summery
Challengers is
the latest film from Luca Guadagnino, known for Call Me by Your Name and Bones
and All. Starring Zendaya as Tashi, the film revolves around her marriage to a
tennis champion on a losing streak. Her plan for his redemption takes an
unexpected turn when he must face off against his former best friend and
Tashi's ex-boyfriend. Guadagnino's storytelling shines through unique and
dynamic tennis match perspectives, keeping the action engaging. The soundtrack,
though aggressive and sometimes overpowering, underscores the intensity of the
scenes.
Zendaya leads a
stellar cast, delivering a ruthless and believable performance. The film delves
into the theme of relationships built around careers and the conflicts that
arise when interests diverge. While the characters exhibit toxic behaviors,
this adds necessary drama to the narrative. A minor critique is the
underdeveloped role of Tashi’s daughter, who adds little to the story.
The film demands close attention due to frequent timeline shifts, enhancing the drama of the tennis matches as more background is revealed. Guadagnino’s direction, combined with excellent editing and performances, makes Challengers a compelling watch, particularly for tennis fans, though its engaging portrayal of the sport may appeal to a broader audience.
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