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 ostensibly about something else than just tennis. Though surely it helps to be a tennis fan to enjoy the film. There is a propulsive energy throughout the film, enhanced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's amazing electronic score, that matches the energy of the tennis matches. Beyond this tennis rivalry, the film seems to be more of a meditation on male friendship and rivalry than anything else. Zendaya, though given top billing, largely plays a secondary role to O'Connor and Faist. The film falters a bit in its length - it would have worked better at a solid 90-minute runtime. The film also suffers a bit from style over substance, but the style is so strong here that it makes the film worth watching. Challengers is one of those films that may grow in esteem over time or a film that may be forgotten after 2024.

6/10