Challengers is a gripping and all encompassing tennis film that’s about tennis, but not really, but yes – tennis. I was a huge lover of the 2004 film Wimbledon so I was excited for yet another tennis romance. However, this was anything but romantic. While oozing with sex appeal the film was filled with energy that made your body sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation. The soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross adds many layers to the film’s atmosphere with a pulsating energy. I feel like I finally relaxed after I was walking out of the cinema, but maybe that was the motion sickness of the camera being bounced around as the tennis ball. The cinematography definitely captures the stress, anxiety and the intensity of tennis.
Zendaya, still in cinemas featured in Dune Part Two, delivers yet another powerful performance showcasing another side to her range. Co-stars Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist gave compelling performances that developed a powerful dynamic and relationship both on and off the court.
Huge kudos to the wardrobe and costuming department who did a fantastic job fleshing out the characters visually. Also helped by stylish direction by Luca Guadagnino.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the film, the biggest response to the film was in the women’s bathroom after the film ended. Over 20 women lining up to use the loo, all confused about the ending. I think if you had to go off of the masses, in my case the women’s bathroom, the general consensus was the ending isn’t quite clear enough. It was also clear that not many people played tennis. I heard someone say this morning that they needed to watch it three times to understand what was going on.
