Challengers

I really enjoy high-quality sports movies, but this film uses tennis as a metaphor for a love triangle involving three abnormal individuals in a very accurate way. Let me just say why this film is good. Firstly, it's technically very good. I'll detail the scene I'll say is the best, but overall, the use of cameras, where they stand, and the masterpiece climax in the final scene, make the direction top-notch. The casting fits the script perfectly. Sometimes, it's the actors who determine the tension of a film, and in this film, our trio of leads creates a fantastic tension, very successfully. Thirdly, the use of sports as a tool. In normal sports films, the main focus is on the sport and the plane it creates, but Challengers goes beyond that and metaphorizes tennis very successfully. And tennis could truly be the most individual among individual sports, so it's a very apt choice. The metaphor of the tennis ball being Tashi, especially, enchanted me. The back and forth between Art and Pat, and finally Art winning because of the Grandslam, is not an easy metaphor. Fourthly, and the part I loved, the climax scene is amazing. Taking such a risk in shooting in such a different technique and jolting the audience in the theater with that scene is really well done. Putting the camera in place of the ball, drawing a bomb on the camera, shooting from different angles, all accompanied by a simple music that tells the tempo very well, is really the right move. Fifthly, the film's sexiness is very well placed. The love scenes are not exaggerated and really well placed. Maybe the red-lighted scene at the end is a bit swagger, but all the characters look very sexy. Congratulations to Zendaya, Mike Faist, and John O'Conner, good job. The point I didn't like is that the simple concept of family wasn't filled out enough, in my opinion. When Art and Tashi's child is mentioned, there should have been a flashback to that period and the importance of that in their lives should have been explained. Yes, the film is super-paced and great, but I feel it lacks something, and with a 5-6 minute scene added, the film could have been a 10/10 for me. Also, the focus on Pat's wound. Since we focused on it, we could have had 1 or 2 scenes of Pat's suffering as well. And finally, I want to address people's comments. I think the ratings are exactly what the film deserves, the positives are very dominant, but there are minimal shortcomings, so the ratings are just right. Some people have said (especially in my country), "oh, we were very uncomfortable, it's exaggerated," etc. Dude, the whole point of the film is to try to explain a sick situation; all three characters have big personal problems; one worships people, the other worships sports (and of course, meaningless ambition and success), and the other behaves loosely and cowardly. Sorry, but it's silly to accept this situation as normal and make comments; excuse my bluntness, but watch the movie and try to understand it. The film is very enjoyable and flows excessively, not a second boring, watch it in the cinema. Additionally, some of the argument scenes in the film and the overall structure also resemble a tennis match, I forgot to explain (metaphor) that in my review, but I think this is also a major factor in the film's success. (For example, the argument scene between Tashi and Patrick in their rooms fits perfectly. This fight just like a tennis match.)

Just because you can see where it is going does not mean you dont want to see it go there. Tense, steamy, messy. And they managed to end it well. Great watch!

Bold, gripping, and delivers strong performances!

This must be one of the worst movies that I have ever seen.

Zendaya's vanity project as an excuse to star in her own soft-porn fantasy is a deadly dull waste of acting talent. And the tennis scenes are even more ridiculous than the premise. Unwatchable drivel.

Terrible movie. I feel I just wasted 2 hours of my time. Make yourself a favor and skip it

I was told this was a try-not-to-cream challenge. I did not cream. Very disappointed.

The movie had interesting highlights where tennis is a way to bring friends together, yet can also destroy the relationship if not being utilized properly. Zendaya's presence does show a strong essence in how two guys would challenge each other to get the same thing. The combination of music and the usage of style in presentation brought livelihood through life in youth. It is relatively fresh and appreciate the contrast it brings in comparison to Battle of the Sexes.

One of the worst movies of the year...boring like hell, the story is also supersad and cold. Hated it and wasted what seemed to be 8 hours of my life

One of the worst movies I’ve seen & possibly the worst. The trailer was deceptive. Movie did not flow and was disjointed. Left confused. The “story” didn’t tell us anything. I compare it to what could be a decent book and the author falls asleep as he/she writes the ending. You’re left angry or confused.