Challengers

Synopsis: Tashi, a tennis player turned coach, has transformed her husband from a mediocre player into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a challenger event -- close to the lowest level of tournament on the pro tour. Tensions soon run high when he finds himself standing across the net from the once-promising, now burnt-out Patrick, his former best friend and Tashi's former boyfriend.

Movie Review:

"Challengers," directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a captivating sports movie set in the world of tennis. The film features incredible performances by the main three leads, making it the first time I've actually cared about a love triangle on screen. Mike Faist shines as Art Donaldson, a world-famous grand slam champion who is also a devoted husband to his wife Tashi. Josh O'Connor delivers a standout performance as Patrick, a washed-up tennis player with a troubled past. Zendaya steals the show as Tashi, a tennis prodigy turned coach. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.

The tennis scenes are filmed in a stylistic and engaging way, making you feel like you're right there on the court. While the ending left me wanting more, the film overall is a character study of three flawed individuals that has become one of my favorite movies of the year. I am giving "Challengers" 4.5/5 stars.

Director: Luca Guadagnino

Cast: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, Darnell Appling, Bryan Doo and A.J. Lister

Runtime: 132 Minutes