Challengers

A tennis star on a losing streak has a shot at qualifying for the US Open, but he needs to beat his ex-best friend to do so.

Challengers is a tennis film at its best when not focusing on the game. The production explores love, sexuality, human connection, betrayal and disappointment in a slow-moving, sometimes confusing way. Time jumps are over-utilised and it's sometimes hard to remember where we're supposed to be in the story. The cast has good chemistry and the leading lady is particularly good as a stony, laser-focused coach. Unfortunately, the choice to use loud, obnoxious music in the score to emphasize certain points of the plot takes more away than it gives. Deuce.

Wide Release 24th April 2024
Universal Pictures 131 mins