Emily Allgair, Editor
With stars such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and, of course, international heartthrob Zendaya, Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers" is one of this year's first actual must-see movies.
Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a tennis player-turned-coach, in an attempt to help her husband regain his confidence to finish his tennis grand-slam, has signed Art (Mike Faist) up for a tennis challenger competition, a low-level tennis tournament - something easy to prove he can get out of his own head. Tensions quickly rise when Art finds himself up against tennis burn-out Patrick (Josh O'Connor), his former best friend and Tashi's former boyfriend.
Written by Justin Kuritzkes and directed by Luca Guadagnino, the script and screen adaptation of such was unparalleled. Their dynamic partnership makes me look forward to further collaboration between Kuritzkes and Guadagnino in their upcoming film "Queer."
Best known for his film "Call Me By Your Name," Luca Guadagnino's directorial touch was reminiscent of his previous 2017 creation. From cinematography to even something as simple as pacing, Guadagnino's hand is widely felt throughout "Challengers."
Although I initially questioned the use of 80s synth-pop music as the score, I should not have been so quick to doubt the genius that are the minds of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The up-tempo, heartbeat-like music not only keeps you excited, it also keeps you on your toes. Heightening the buzz of the script, Reznor and Ross' score is phenomenal, so don't let the first two songs steer you wrong.
Mike Faist, with a background in over-the-top Broadway theater, surprised me with his ability to play such a modest character. Art juxtaposes Patrick, and as the movie progresses, we start to pity Art (through no fault of his own). Faist's portrayal of such a transparent character was honestly a breath of fresh air, although that doesn't mean that there are moments of selfishness that overcome him.
Throughout the film, Zendaya not only radiates beauty, her performance is impeccable. The role of Tashi Duncan adds yet another far-from-Disney role to Zendaya's resume, and I am so thankful that it did. In her other more serious roles, such as Rue Bennett ("Euphoria") and Marie Jones ("Malcolm & Marie"), Zendaya's characters are often likable because of the difficult situations they find themselves to be in. In "Challengers," however, Tashi is anything but. As the movie progresses, the actions and motivations of Tashi continue to make audiences not want to be supportive of her – and this is beautifully done by a collaboration between writer, director and actress.
During the Global Press Conference of "Challengers," Zendaya herself described Tashi as "refreshing" because she doesn't need you to like her. Tashi is a complicated character, and while Zendaya asks you not to judge Tashi based on her decisions, she also doesn't care if you support said decisions, much like Tashi.
Although I doubt it will be debated, "Challengers" is one of the best films released so far this year. From the performances by Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor to minute details of mise-en-scene, Luca Guadagnino's newest film deserves every ounce of praise it will get. If you haven't already bought your tickets to see it in theaters, you must do so right now.
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