It was originally scheduled for release last September but was delayed due to strikes, Luca Guadagninotennis movie challenger It’s exciting and anticipated to finally be on the big screen. The story follows Tashi, a tennis player turned coach who transforms her husband Art into a world-famous Grand Slam champion. To boost his confidence and break his losing streak, she signs him to compete in “The Challengers,” a lower-level professional tournament where he finds himself siding with his former best friends and Zara. Xi’s ex-boyfriend is on the other side of the internet. With stellar performances from its lead cast, expert cinematography, riveting dual timelines and a heart-pounding original score, “Contenders” is a slam dunk worth the wait.
The story of “Contenders” works so well, it’s a testament to the way it’s told. The stakes are raised scene by scene, using a dual timeline perspective to give us a look into the uneasy relationship between the three protagonists in the years leading up to the game. When Art came to this match and the audience got their first look at who he was facing, we didn’t think much of it. However, as the plot progresses and we learn the backstory, we realize what is at stake for these characters, how much they need to win, and what they have to lose. Between breakups, infidelity, and mind games, this game is both scary and important to all three of our characters, not just the two on either side of the net. “Contenders” is not only a sports drama, but also an exploration of competition and power games, using tennis as a reality and a metaphor for their complicated love triangle. It all builds to an increasingly tense atmosphere and leaves our two “white boys” – as Tashi calls them – fighting for victory in the final ten minutes. It’s more than just winning a tennis match.
A deep exploration of love and sex, “Contenders” relies on the chemistry between its three leads; luckily, they’re on fire. Shandaya, McFester and Josh O’Connor Not only are they capable of great performances in their own right, but they work brilliantly together. Their chemistry is off the charts and tangible from start to finish – from the way they glance at each other on the court to passionately making out in an empty parking lot, they’re unfailingly convincing. Filled with steamy scenes, “Controller” succeeds in its attempt at seduction and is, quite simply, sexy. Zendaya’s Tashi is out of the game due to injury, and it seems like she only wants one thing – for her husband, Art, to be the person she never had the chance to be. More like a coach than a wife, she was often ruthless and harsh and would stop at nothing to ensure his success. It was a different kind of role for Zendaya, and she managed to deliver her best work yet. Mike Faist’s artistry is outstanding, and he pulls off a very complex turn. He longs for Tashi’s love and respect and is willing to abandon his life’s best friends to win it. That being said, he’s emotionally unhappy in his relationship and longs for normalcy – but does that have to overcome his desire to be champion? Art’s former best friend and Tashi’s ex-lover is Patrick (played by Josh O’Connor). Patrick, down on his luck, living out of his car and not as successful as his early career suggested, needs this win – not just for the money, but to prove to Tashi that she has made the wrong choice in choosing art all these years forward. Despite being married and having children, these three characters remain fascinated with each other. The characters are distinct and the performances are charming.
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The technical aspects of “Contenders” are brilliant and give the film so much character and style. The cinematography is both consistently engaging and completely unique. The shooting of the tennis scenes makes these scenes shine, from close-ups of beads of sweat on the players’ foreheads to moments when the camera acts as a ball and bounces rapidly around the sides of the court. This results in a watch that is dynamic, intimate and stylish, ensuring that its sporting scenes are as exciting as possible. This interesting camerawork even carries over into the conversations between our protagonists, which see the camera quickly jump between them much like a tennis match – very smart and immersive. The cinematography does a lot of things we rarely see and is experimental in the best possible way. Original score by Guadagnino’s recent collaborators Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross It’s loud, well-crafted, larger than life, and becomes its own character. The synth-like house music effortlessly matches the tone of the film, imbuing the more laid-back scenes with energy and energy. This is one of the best results of the year so far.
challenger continues director Luca Guadagnino’s winning streak, adding to his slate of unique, emotional, character-centered films. The soundtrack is unforgettable, the cinematography is excellent, and the story is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Zendaya, Feist, and O’Connor are better than ever, and they all manage to be both intimidating and mesmerizing. With its jaw-dropping visual style, rich color and energy, high-octane tennis shots, and bold and steamy scenes, “Contenders” is a big-screen slam dunk.
‘Contenders’ Review – A Sexy, Stylish Big Screen Slam
