STORYLINE: From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win.

    There are sports films, such as Cgariots of Fire and Rocky, that are uplifting.  Others, like The Iron Claw and King Richard, tell stories about obsession. Then there are films like Moneyball that tell a unique behind the scenes story. Challengers is a tale of obsession and interesting characters.  

    Yes the tennis is the catalyst for the story but it is the back burner for a love triangle. It is the back burner for obsession. It is the back burner for character development for three characters over the course of their rise and fall in completion. 

     This is the first awards worthy film of 2024.  This is especially true for the performance Zendaya gives as the lead Tasha Duncan. It is only the end of April and time will tell if the film will barrel through the blockbuster summer season and fall Oscar bait releases to compete for the Oscars this coming winter. 

    Then again looking at the Oscars that just last rge current best picture winner, Oppenheimer, was a July release.  That same weekend saw the the release of fellow best picture nominee Barbie. Around the same time the small film and fellow best picture nominee Past Lives lit up the silver screen.  Point is it could happen for Challengers.

     Until next time I will see you at the movies!