Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, transformed her husband into a champion. But to overcome a recent losing streak and redeem himself, he'll need to face off against his former bes... Read allTashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, transformed her husband into a champion. But to overcome a recent losing streak and redeem himself, he'll need to face off against his former best friend and Tashi's ex-boyfriend.Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, transformed her husband into a champion. But to overcome a recent losing streak and redeem himself, he'll need to face off against his former best friend and Tashi's ex-boyfriend.
- Awards
- 83 wins & 156 nominations total
- Art's Security Guard
- (as a different name)
- Lily
- (as AJ Lister)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Summary
Featured reviews
The acting was decent. Felt like each character was built upon chemistry and realism. It kept me entertained for the most part.
The times jumps at the beginning worked and created suspense. Leaving the viewer unsure of what the history our 3 characters share however, the time jumps became a bit too rapid and i personally found it harder to keep up with where we are in the story. I feel like they could've left out a few scenes to make the story flow smoother.
The soundtrack was interesting. Not sure if it suited the mood of the film. But my biggest gripe is the ridiculously slowed down ending. Not sure what the director was thinking with that one.
The conclusion felt like it was going on for 1 hour and i felt it a little cheesy with the last scene of the film.
Overall I see a lot of influence from the film "Match Point" starring Scarlet Johansson. In my opinion that film was far more successful in what "challengers" was attempting.
Overall, bit hit and miss. Some decent moments but nothing to get you excited about or talk about after.
I remember Zendaya since Shake It Up and although she is a smart and lovely woman with indeniable star quality, her acting has never been convincing. She always positions herself perfectly for the shot, has the needed movement or expression, but it is always with more connection for the camera than with the character (even in Euphoria). I also never found her use of her voice adequate, it is usually one note. It sort of works here because Tashi is a character as flat as a pancake.
The two other leads are no better and it is an already very far fetched idea that they would attract the attention of anyone, let alone of someone like the Tashi character.
And if this was a movie to attract tennis fans... well it won't. None of the tree leads looks like they have ever played sport. Any sport, any kind, not professionally, just any at all. In school, in the backstreet with friends. The director is either very incapable of his job or hasn't either. They hired Brad Gilbert to consult and help. Ok, but he helps with the wrong aspects. In the end of the day a general viewer would not care if the serve technique is correct, or if the movement and speed is accurate. But he would care about the absolute lack of any engagement with the game. No passion, no desire, no will, no care. Even Ivan Lendl has visibly shown more connection to the game and he was infamous for cool attitude. Or Andre Agassi or Nick Kyrgios who have stated many times they hated tennis. These actors look and act like they are trying not to trip, not to make a wrong move and not like playing for anything (not just the tenmis aspects of the movie). And from this there is no loud enough music to make you care about their game or desires.
The music is terrible allthrough, loud and without having any connection with the supposed story. The overly in your face "metaphors" are just tiring at this point. Filmmakers might wanna try some new and fresh approach to get the point across. And the overuse of slow motion... it just makes the movie even less.
In a time where we care about sparing resources, resources for movies like this shouldn't even be be considered to be spent.
Idk if this was the straightest gay movie or the gayest straight movie.
- The thing that stopped this film from feeling incredibly boring was the way it played with time.
- Took 30 minutes to slow down and breathe. But if it didb't, I would've given it half a star less.
- Bad acting in trailers, far from the case in the actual film. Trailers didn't sell me but this was a good movie. Wouldn't go back to it though.
- The trailers spoiled the midpoint.
- I think Tashi should've agreed to train Patrick as a way of tricking him to lose. I also thought the guys were the real ones playing Tashi. I was waiting for a flashback scene where the they plan the whole thing. That might've been generic but I also wasn't expecting a "hug and walk off into the sunset" type of ending.
I tried to disregard that tennis mostly bores me.
Usually perceptive, but I did not get the point of the film.
A love triangle spanning 13 years with Zendaya as the master manipulator. What was she doing? Making the chaps better tennis players, making them grow up, making them aware that their long time friendship was more than just that. I do not know and then you ask yourself, why?
On the plus side, Josh O'Connor was mesmerising, turning in a good performance. The music was good, if on occasion a tad overdramatic for the scene being played out. Some titters.
On the minus side, the tennis montages grew tedious, the time jumps a little too often, particularly towards the end of the film.
There was one scene in a locker room, where I could not understand a word that was being said, I thought it was not in English, but I could not understand the gist or the purpose. Very frustrating.
The film was too long (I saw people leave) and, dare I say it, a little pointless.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaPatrick taking a bite of the churro and letting Art take one was unscripted. Josh O'Connor was starving and it was the first time he ever had churros.
- GoofsAfter Patrick loses the second set in his final round match against Art and smashes his racket, the chair umpire declares a code violation point penalty; however, it should have been a game penalty, as Patrick had already received a point penalty earlier in the match (the scoreboard at the bottom accurately reflects the correct score).
- Quotes
Tashi Donaldson: [after Patrick notices her engagement ring] It was his grandmother's.
Patrick Zweig: How is she?
Tashi Donaldson: She died. Stroke.
- Crazy creditsOn the United States release of the film, the MGM logo appears after the brief opening prologue, and the roar of studio mascot, Leo the Lion, is silenced.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Project: Episode dated 26 March 2024 (2024)
- SoundtracksSound the Trumpet
Written by Henry Purcell
Performed by The Toronto Children's Chorus
Courtesy of Marquis Classics
- How long is Challengers?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Desafiantes
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $55,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $50,119,408
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $15,011,061
- Apr 28, 2024
- Gross worldwide
- $96,119,408
- Runtime2 hours 11 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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