We headed to Leicester Square this week to check out the new film directed by Luca Guadagnino Challengers.
With the backdrop set in the lead up to the US Open, the film centres on the relationship between two best friends (Josh O’Connor and Mike Weist), and their relationship with tennis prodigy turned coach [Zendaya]. What follows is a high stakes emotional rollercoaster, that questions the idea of “winning at all costs”, and how far you will go to achieve it – friendship, love and betrayal.
© 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Whilst initially slow to kick off, I felt the build up of each phase of the story was brilliantly done, as you got to get a real insight into the different characters, and their interpretation on what winning at all costs means, and to what ends they would go to achieve it.
© 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
My only critic without intending to offer spoilers, is that the end of the film could have ended a lot stronger than it did. Was it enjoyable, 100%, however given the complexity around the characters, I feel Luis Guadagnino missed an opportunity to finish the film with the audience leaving the theatre with their own conclusions on where the journey went for the trio!
A big shout out to Warner Bros. Entertainment for inviting us down to review!
Film is out on the 26th April 2024.
