‘Challengers’ Review Roundup: Luca Guadagnino's ‘hip, sexy and ridiculously overheated’ film splits critics
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes, ‘Challengers’ hits theaters on April 26, boasting stellar performances from Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor.
‘Challengers’ follows a professional tennis champion (Faist) making a comeback with his wife's (Zendaya) support, facing off against his former best friend and her former lover (O’Connor).
Originally set for September 2023, the film's release was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike but is now set to debut in the US via Amazon MGM Studios.
At the time of publication, ‘Challengers’ had received a stellar reception from critics on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, where it earned a 91 percent “fresh” rating on the site’s Tomatometer based on 166 reviews. But before going to watch the movie, here's a round-up of the reviews and what the critics have to say:
Luca Guadagnino's saucy sports drama ‘Challengers’ garners mixed reviews
Describing Guadagnino’s blend of sports and romance as “hip, sexy and ridiculously overheated,” Variety critic Peter Debruge lauds ‘Challengers’ with mostly positive remarks. Debruge commends Zendaya's “astonishing” performance alongside the trio of leads while praising Guadagnino's inventive filmmaking, particularly in the tennis court scenes. “Whether audiences identify as Team Patrick or Team Art, Guadagnino pulls a risky yet inspired trick, effectively scoring the winning shot himself,” Debruge writes.
Similarly impressed, The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney describes ‘Challengers’ as “smart, seductive and bristling with sexual tension.” Rooney highlights the outstanding chemistry between Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, as well as the film's captivating cinematography and lively dialogue, despite acknowledging its relatively thin narrative.
However, not all critics share the same enthusiasm. Mark Feeney, giving 'Challengers' 2.5 stars out of four in his Boston Globe review, critiques its departure from a traditional tennis narrative, likening it to “a soap opera” with intricate structure.
Richard Whittaker of the Austin Chronicle goes further, awarding the film a mere 1 star out of 5, condemning it as a “double fault after double fault.” Whittaker harshly criticizes Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, deriding the film as “trashy Eurosleaze with none of the sumptuous debauchery.”
His review read, “Guadagnino rolls into the courtside thriller with all the sex appeal of a gym sock and a lousy script by Justin Kuritzkes, the poor man’s Whit Stillman. It’s trashy Eurosleaze with none of the sumptuous debauchery.”
MEAWW ‘Challengers’ Review: Zendaya starrer delivers the goods when it comes to heart-pounding romance
MEAWW review reads, “Luca Guadagnino's directorial prowess and eye for detail once again shine through in every frame, capturing the intensity of the tennis matches with much-needed flair and energy. From stylish costumes designed by Jonathan Anderson to the close-to-home performances of the cast, ‘Challengers’ is a feast for the senses.”
It further reads, “Zendaya steals the show as the formidable Tashi, commanding the screen with her effortless grace and fierce determination. Alongside her, Faist and O'Connor deliver standout performances, breathing life into their characters' tumultuous journey.”
The review concludes with, “In the end, ‘Challengers’ is more than just a sports drama – it's a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you breathless, and maybe even a little bit sweaty (if you know what we mean). So grab your popcorn, settle into your seat, and get ready for a wild ride through the world of love, steamy sex, ambition, and some seriously fierce competition. Trust us, you won't want to miss a single moment.”
Is ‘Challengers’ worth watching?
‘Challengers’ is definitely worth watching as it strikes a perfect balance between uproarious humor and nail-biting tension, thanks to the masterful script by Justin Kuritzkes.
The stellar performances from Faist, O’Connor, and Zendaya elevate the film to new heights, while Guadagnino's expert direction solidifies his status as one of the foremost directors of his generation.
While it may not be hailed as the greatest film ever made, ‘Challengers’ delivers an exhilarating experience that leaves audiences thoroughly entertained. So buckle yourselves as ‘Challengers’ is a film that demands excitement.
‘Challengers’ trailer