The Reel Critic: ‘Challengers’ Is Bold And Commanding

Luca Guadagnino’s 2024 sports drama leaves audiences asking, “Is this even about tennis at all?”

From director Luca Guadagnino and writer Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers is a romantic drama centering on a love triangle between three tennis players. The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a renowned tennis star forced to step away from the game after a major injury. Following the injury, Tashi becomes a coach to up-and-coming player Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and the two form both a professional and romantic relationship as she turns him into a champion. 

Years later, Art has lost his confidence as a player, and Tashi signs him up for a challenger match, a relatively low-stakes game to help his confidence. When Art’s opponent ends up being his old friend — and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend — Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), buried memories and emotions are brought to the forefront.

Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder felt the film was both provocative and captivating, centering relationships at the crux of the film.

“This tennis match goes far outside the lines of the tennis [court],” Ponder said. 

Challengers premiered in theaters on April 26. Find more information, including showtimes, at challengersmovie.com.

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Interview and audio production by Reggie Ponder

Written introduction by Abigail Harrison

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