Counter Culture

571 words, read time 2-3 minutes.

In Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, “Challengers,” the court isn’t the only place where passions ignite. With a stellar cast led by Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, this movie serves up a gripping ménage à trois that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

In 2006, two high school best friends, Patrick Zweig and Art Donaldson, win the boys’ junior doubles title at the US Open. Their lives intersect with that of Tashi Duncan, a highly acclaimed young tennis prospect. Tashi becomes the focal point of their attraction.

As is only fitting with a ménage à trois the film’s focus is on the three central characters. Let’s look at each in turn.

Tashi (Zendaya):

Once a tennis prodigy, Tashi now coaches players. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself torn between two intense connections:
Art (Mike Faist): Her husband and a world-renowned grand slam champion. Their love, though stable, lacks the fire it once had.
Patrick (Josh O’Connor): Tashi’s ex-boyfriend and Art’s former best friend. Their chemistry crackles with unresolved feelings from the past.
Tashi grapples with loyalty to Art versus her undeniable attraction to Patrick.

Art (Mike Faist):

Art lives and breathes tennis, but his game is faltering. Performance anxiety gnaws at him. re-enter Patrick, disrupting Art’s focus. Jealousy flares as he senses the sexual tension between Tashi and Patrick. Art’s journey involves not only reclaiming his tennis prowess but also navigating the emotional triangle.

Patrick (Josh O’Connor):

Patrick harbours old wounds from Art’s betrayal. His return to Tashi’s life reopens those scars. His attraction to Tashi is undeniable, and he sees a chance to rekindle their romance. Patrick becomes the catalyst for change, pushing Tashi and Art to confront their desires and secrets.

The ménage à trois creates emotional turmoil. Tashi’s heart wavers, and Art seethes with jealousy. Forbidden attraction fuels the plot. Stolen glances and whispered confessions heighten the stakes. Each character grows through this complex relationship. They draw energy from each other. Betrayals and revelations keep viewers guessing.

I loved the soundtrack. Inspired by Berlin techno and ’90s rave music, the duo crafted a “very loud techno music” score for the film. The intention was to amplify the pace and high-stakes nature of the movie.

Critics have praised the soundtrack:
Ty Burr of The Washington Post called it “one of [Reznor and Ross’s] best to date.”

Max Weiss of Baltimore highlighted its freneticism that fuels the film and Maureen Lee Lenker of Entertainment Weekly likened it to “sonic riffs from Miami Vice” that evoke both tennis action and dance club vibes.

Reznor and Ross’s pulsating, synth-filled composition adds an electrifying dimension to the film, making it a memorable auditory experience on and off the court

The film employs various techniques to convey its story visually. These include camera angles, lighting, and composition. These elements work together to evoke specific moods and atmospheres, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

The tennis matches themselves serve as powerful visual metaphors. The final game between Art and Patrick at the New Rochelle Challenger becomes more than just a match. Their intense volley back and forth reflects their complex relationship, fuelled by years of ill will. The tension on the court mirrors the emotional stakes in their personal lives.

Guadagnino masterfully blends tennis action with cinematic theory. The tennis court becomes a canvas for emotional exchanges, transcending mere words. The film’s visual language communicates themes of passion, rivalry, and catharsis, making it a compelling watch.

, “Challengers” weaves a captivating tale of desire, jealousy, and emotional turmoil. As Tashi grapples with loyalty and attraction, Art’s faltering game and Patrick’s return stir the pot. Stolen glances and whispered confessions heighten the stakes, while the pulsating soundtrack amplifies the film’s pace. Visually, Guadagnino’s masterful use of camera angles and lighting mirrors the emotional stakes on the tennis court. The film’s visual language communicates passion, rivalry, and catharsis, leaving viewers guessing until the end. And that final visual symbolism? It binds everything together, making “Challengers” a memorable cinematic experience. 

By Patrick Harrington