Challengers (Luca Guadagnino, 2024, Italy/USA)
Challengers mark the arrival of Luca Guadagnino not only as one of the most prodigious auteurs of the 2020s (he already has another film out since Challengers ) but also as one of the more commercially viable. Released by MGM/UA/Amazon, Challengers was one of the more successful "original" films (not a known IP, sequel, etc.) at the box office this year. While the film has an attractive young cast, this is all the more impressive considering Challengers is not the easiest sell. Yes, sports films can be commercial, but Guadagnino hasn't entirely shedded his arthouse style. In other words, Challengers represents a bridge between the more arthouse Guadagnino of old and a newer commercial Guadagnino. The film essentially hinges on a love triangle between three characters - Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor), and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist). This love triangle spans 13 years, from late teenage years to 30s. As with most sports films, Challengers is o...
