‘Challengers’ review: Zendaya’s sexy tennis soap opera is a total blast

Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist shine in Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers," a sexy love triangle of a sports drama that is brash and in your face with its obsessions.

Mike Faist as Art, Zendaya as Tashi and Josh O'Connor as Patrick in "Challengers." MGM

April 25, 2024

In the new movie “Challengers,” director Luca Guadagnino pulls off a neat trick. The Italian filmmaker (“Call Me By Your Name,” “A Bigger Splash”) has made one of the most sensual, titillating, and downright erotic movies in recent memory — all without featuring a single sex scene.

Instead of releasing the film’s pent-up carnal tension in the bedroom, the lustful energy explodes on the tennis court, where Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor grunt, groan, and scream their way through one of the most over-the-top, deliriously entertaining movies of the year.

Video: Kevin Slane discusses ‘Challengers’ review on ‘Boston Globe Today’

The film begins with tennis coach Tashi (Zendaya) plotting the next moves for her star client and husband, Art (Faist). Before a word is spoken, the couple’s power dynamic is immediately evident, as Tashi imperiously approves print advertisements (centering herself) and shoos away the couple’s child while Art watches mournfully.

Art is in a slump, so Tashi puts him in a low-level “Challengers” tournament in New Rochelle, New York. (In reality, “Challengers” was filmed in the Boston area, with the tennis courts of the Wedgewood Club in Bedford and Wheaton College playing stand-in for the on-court action.) There, Art comes face to face with Patrick, a washed-up pro with whom he has a history.

Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor in "Challengers." — Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor in “Challengers.” *– MGM*

Tashi and Art share luxury suites, while Patrick lives in his car. But 13 years ago, the trio were all on the same path towards tennis stardom — and were also part of a love triangle that pointed in all three directions.

An early flashback shows Art and Patrick, amateur doubles champions and best friends, as they get their first look at Tashi, a Serena Williams-esque phenom.

Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s camera matches Patrick and Art’s POV as it lingers on her figure, watching intently as she fusses with her tennis skirt. Once she takes the court, however, she becomes a pillar of strength: Her legs, ogled moments earlier, ripple with intensity as Tashi pulverizes her opponent, capping each point off with a primal scream.

Guadagnino has never shied away from portraying sexual obsession in his films. In 2017’s “Call Me By Your Name,” Timothee Chalamet sniffs Armie Hammer’s swim trunks and does things to a peach that even Jim from “American Pie” might find questionable.

“Challengers” is never as explicit, but it’s equally unsubtle. Every interaction – be it an argument or a romantic tryst — plays out like a game of tennis, with the camera bouncing back and forth like it’s watching a particularly vigorous rally.

Every game of tennis, meanwhile, plays out like a no-holds-barred one-night stand. The camera stares from underneath the court up at Art and Patrick’s legs, then shifts to inside the tennis ball, then becomes a single drop in a cascade of sweat. It’s ridiculous — and ridiculously fun.

Josh O’Connor and Zendaya in "Challengers." — Josh O’Connor and Zendaya in “Challengers.” *– MGM*

All three leads give stellar performances, but O’Connor shines in particular. Patrick has coasted on his family money, innate athleticism, and hangdog charm for decades. After swiping on Hinge for a free dinner and possible evening lodging, you can see why his date falls for him with a single glance.

Faist is the more reserved and analytical of the two, which initially lands him his dream girl. But his weakness is on display the more the film progresses, much to the disgust of his alpha wife.

“Challengers” asks you to buy into its soap-opera machinations and softcore provocations. If you’re locked in, it’s a blast. But it won’t be for everyone. Ditto Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ aggressive and in-your-face score, which frequently drowns out the dialogue with stabbing synths and throbbing techno beats.

There are also stretches of the film that play out like Isner and Mahut, the infamous 2010 Wimbledon match that lasted over 11 hours. After the fifth time a character ends an interaction with a slower-than-slow-mo walkoff, you’ll check your watch.

But just when your interest begins to fade, “Challengers” teases you with a look, a swing, a sigh. And just like that, you’re back in. Game. Set. Match.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 4)

“Challengers” is playing at theaters nationwide.