This week’s recommendation is Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers 2024. This film is an exciting, multi-layered, fast-paced adventure through the lives of three former and current tennis pros, played by Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, and Zendaya. With one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard in a while and a concept that has you making connections well past your first watch, Challengers does not fail audiences’ high expectations for any film coming from the powerhouse director of Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All.

The film follows Art Donaldson and Patrick Zweig, former tennis partners who battle for the affection and attention of Tashi Duncan (played by Zendaya). The film cuts between periods all within the metaphor of tennis. Tashi is a prodigious tennis star, and she knows it. Art and Patrick are established as close friends who eventually battle it out the only way they know how: on the courts.

The score is also a main character; Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ music is so powerful it practically tells the story itself. The tunes and cinematography are enough to give you whiplash but somehow keep you tied down to your seat long enough to absorb the rising tensions.

Though preceded by some steamy marketing and online discourse heavily focused on the menage-à-trois dynamic of the film, Guadagnino manages to convey the feelings of lust and envy without becoming explicit or vulgar on screen. No matter your feelings towards tennis, Challengers is an exciting ride and match you won’t want to miss.

This is an excerpt from our September 19, 2024 newsletter. Love this recommendation? Discover more by subscribing to our newsletter here!