MGM Plus
fuboTV
PhiloTennis player turned coach Tashi has taken her husband, Art, and transformed him into a world-famous Major champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she signs him up for a "Challenger" event — close to the lowest level of pro tournament — where he finds himself standing across the net from his former best friend and Tashi's former boyfriend.
You mentioned the pacing was an issue: For me, this was one of the highlights. The frequent time switching mirrors the nature of a tennis match — constantly back and forth. This gives the narrative a fast-paced, almost dizzying effect, as we’re never spending too long in a particular place; especially towards the latter half.
But even by Guadagnino’s highly charged standards, Challengers is an absurdly sexy movie. With its power plays and exquisite cruelty, the shimmering beauty of its three leads and their tantalising interlocking desires, and the slow-motion shots of pooling sweat dripping on to the lens, the film borders on trashy at times, but it’s so much fun that it’s practically indecent.
