“Challengers” official reviews are starting to come out and things looks GREAT!

If, as Blanche Dubois once said, “The opposite of death is desire,” then Luca Guadagnino will live forever, and his latest film — a transcendently sweaty tennis love triangle so turned on by the heat of competition that its sex scenes feel like foreplay and its rallies feel like porn — is possibly the most unbridled portrait of resurrection since “The Passion of the Christ.”

The UK’s top newspaper The Telegraph gave it a full 5/5 stars

All the usual suspects are pleased with it, no surprise there.

“ Jockeying for position in love triangles, love lives spilling onto the court, a keen sense for heightened ridiculousness: Challengers shares plenty DNA with Showgirls. And like the best elements of Verhoeven’s classic, the finale of Challengers excels in its pure synthesis of off-court drama with the intense match itself. It’s cleverly constructed, features the film’s best use of that patented O’Connor smile, and is exhilarating to watch unfold. That its ultimate conclusion feels perfectly attuned to the preceding narrative and its characters’ arcs, while also being impossible to predict, is no small feat.”

R3 the usual suspects? Even the small bloggers and critics who got to see it in screenings over the past couple of weeks have been praising it. They aren’t mainstream critics.

Matt Neglia at NextBestPicture gave it a 7/10. He seemed to like it but took issue with some of the script/screenplay, but still thinks it’s a very good movie overall. Another non-mainstream independent critic giving it a mostly glowing review. R3 is so angry a good movie was made with Z.

“ “Challengers” is often breathtaking to watch. The editing of the tennis matches hits hard, and as they did with the sexual tension, Reznor and Ross amp the gameplay up to 11 with their banger of a score. The problem is that the characters never come across as clearly as their lithe bodies do. There’s plenty of intrigue in the love triangle to get people’s mouths dropping and tongues wagging, but the constant mind games the characters play with each other lead to some outcomes that beg the question of who wanted what and why. Nowhere is this more evident than in the film’s conclusion. Early in the film, Tashi drops some wisdom on the boys: Tennis is a relationship, and when you get into a good game, you understand the other person completely. It’s hardly a groundbreaking observation for a sports drama, but the characters spend so much of the film tussling with each other that it’s hard to see why they would ever want to reconnect outside the bedroom. When they do, they may come to understand each other, but that understanding is kept between them. The audience is on the outside looking in, like a third wheel. Much like that aforementioned threesome, “Challengers” is all foreplay. For many, that’s the best part of sex, but without a good orgasm, foreplay is just a lot of fun that doesn’t lead to anything. It feels amazing, but it can’t help but feel just a little bit unsatisfying.”

Another independent critic for r3. Let’s show what the non-mainstream big paid critics are saying.

5/5 again

“ But Challengers isn't just a feast for the eyes—it's a showcase for its talented cast. Faist and O'Connor's chemistry crackles with intensity, their complex friendship teetering on the edge of something more. Zendaya, however, steals the show with a performance that is nothing short of mesmerizing. As Tashi, she exudes a potent mix of confidence and vulnerability, her every gesture commanding attention. It's a performance that lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to Zendaya's undeniable talent. The three of them put on career-defining performances making this film a heart-pounding thrill ride every scene.

And while Challengers delves into serious themes, it never loses its sense of humor. Darkly funny and irreverent, the film finds levity in even the most intense moments. Characters behave badly, but it's impossible not to be drawn to their charisma and vitality. It's filmmaking at its finest, a delicious concoction of suspense, sensuality, and sheer audacity that will leave you hungry for more. It’s the sexiest sports movie you’ll ever watch!”

Another small independent film site review. They gave it 4.5/5 stars.

“ Guadagnino’s constant build of tension works well here, but on a few occasions the extended close ups linger just a bit too long. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s score expertly sets the pace, bouncing from electric club music to classical, Spanish, and more, as the undertone of music throughout the film acts as a strong guide. Another sign of Guadagnino’s balance comes in the tennis sequences, which maintain their excitement and never overstay their welcome. Smart editing with creative camerawork and POV effects deliver new takes on what could be weaker moments between the off the court drama, instead adding a lot of necessary and exciting emotional development between points in the tennis action.

From its first trailer, “Challengers” set the tone as an extremely sexy and extremely tense, convoluted drama – and Guadagnino’s latest delivers exactly that, in an edge-of-your-seat thriller that serves up a grand slam.”

GamesRadar gave it 4/5 stars

“ It might be too heady a brew for some, especially those whose appreciation of tennis is limited to strawberries and cream. On the acting front, though, it’s a virtual grand slam, Zendaya, Faist, and particularly O’Connor fine-tuning their characters’ 13-year romantic imbroglio into a lusty love match for the ages.”

If the tennis scenes are no good, nothing else matters. Let’s see 40 seconds of them on court (and the body doubles)…. That will be the tell…

Excited! As a hardcore fan, I've been craving a decent tennis movie - one that captures the dynamics and sex appeal of the sport.

Deadline gave it a mixed review. They loved the performances but felt its pacing was off and the score falls flat for them.

“ Challengers ambitiously attempts to weave complex threads through the metaphor of tennis, exploring themes of love, rivalry and personal growth. While it stumbles in its pacing and musical choices, the performances, particularly by Zendaya, and the chemistry between O’Connor and Faist keep the audience engaged. It’s a flawed but deeply human film that showcases Guadagnino’s persistent quest to probe the depths of emotional entanglements. It might not serve an ace with every shot, but it certainly keeps the viewer gripped until the game set match. “

Hollywood Reporter gave it a glowing review!

Another small site. Gave it 8.5/10

Empire gave it 5 stars

“ Throughout, Guadagnino is on truly mischievous form. This is gleeful, impish filmmaking, but make no mistake: the stakes here feel like life or death, culminating in a climax so exhilarating, you forget to breathe. It’s a vibrating tribute to the buzz of anticipation, of conquest, of sacrifice, betrayal, regret, failure. The whole damn lot; the thrill of it all. It throbs. Operating at the peak of his powers, Luca Guadagnino has the time of his life with this practically sadistic exploration of unrelenting obsession. It is horny, it is hungry, it is phenomenally exciting filmmaking.”

If you block OP, 9/11 posts disappear.

Shill,

Lett me correct that. 13/16.

Shill.

R17 it’s very obvious it’s me posting reviews. You’re so fucking stupid that reading your comments makes me feel like I’m losing brain cells. Seriously. Go sign up for some classes and get off of here. Do something with your life you unemployed LOSER.

“All three performances at the center of this fiery storm are nothing short of captivating. Zendaya manifests a prickly yet dedicated energy to Tashi, able to explode with vicious diatribes that are used to mask the self-doubt that constantly rages within her. It’s a testament to her undeniable screen presence that lights up every frame she enters. One gets a joyful glee in the way she manipulates these two during their initial courtship, leading to their first sexual encounter that is both playful, titillating and even a little nefarious as she looks on with a wicked grin. The way she coaxes these two young men to expose their lustful desires is another carefully designed move in her arsenal. When she becomes more combative, the strategy shifts, and Zendaya expertly crafts a compelling portrait of a woman trying to find her fulfillment any way she can.

The two men flanking on either side are enthralling as well, though O’Connor has a bit more meat to chew on. The evolution of Patrick that finds him oscillating between victorious bravado and humble defeats is a joy to witness, especially as his performance delights in the devilish swagger that’s impossible to not find charming. O’Connor brazenly skids into the egotistical blowhard that continuously wrestles with the fragile core. His boasting is equally fun and tragic, as any man with Big Dick Energy would have, but he always manages to be enticing on screen as a roaring ocean of unhampered virility. Faist is unfortunately saddled with a blander character, as Art’s motivations struggle to reach beyond the basic instincts. He makes up for this deficiency with the endearing chemistry showcased between his co-stars, but the weakness on the page certainly shows. Still, Faist deserves the recognition for mining the depths of humanity within Art, and his conflicted sensibilities are performed with a soulful affection. He finds the tenderness and heartbreak with the earnest love for his wife while also maintaining the intellectual dueling with his best friend.

No other moment encapsulates their gripping personas more than two directly confronting each other in a steam room. The scene perfectly encapsulates the tension each of them have towards one another, and it’s a brilliant showcase of their engaging aura. It’s the point in which the gloves come off. Rocking out with the cocks out, leaving all naked ambition on display for the boisterous gloating to emerge. It’s just another game the two indulge in to demonstrate superiority. Patrick flaunts his physique to rattle his opponent, but Art’s sense of morality is his own counter. The venomous dialogue is thrust and blocked like unsheathed weapons, just as their unchecked sexual proclivities have damaged this brittle relationship. Neither wants to cede the ground, and the dueling personalities as realized by these two performers are mesmerizing.

At first, it can take a minute to get one’s footing within this story. The fractured assembly is difficult to fully connect with as one needs to be eased into this world. However, soon it becomes clear what the goal of this plot is: a messy and chaotic endeavor in which one devours the energetic banter. The foundation upon which this work is constructed isn’t totally without fault, but the structure being built up is full of alluring dynamics. The tone builds up this intense intimacy all the way up until its grandiose finale. The film crescendos into a monumental display of masculine showboating and deadly anxieties, which punctuates all the way through to the uproarious end. The question of who ends up on top may be the most obvious query of any sports film, but here that relates to who can master their own destiny, and it’s a wild ride to endure.”

IGN loved it too.

“ Verdict

A film that volleys back and forth in time, Luca Guadagnino's Challengers builds the relationships between its leading tennis trio in exciting and exacting ways. Enhanced by layered physical performances from Mike Faist, Zendaya, and Josh O'Connor, the result is one of the sexiest and most electric dramas of 2024.”

Why not just a post a link to RT, you ninny?

I won’t see this because she can’t act and the male leads are hideously ugly.

R21 good. We don’t need low lives with no education going to see this.

How much did the guys do besides kissing in that one scene.

I guess I have to wait for a report from Queerty

Queen.

R23 it’s a mainstream film. Not much. Stuff is said and implied but nothing happens. There is zero nudity or anything from the 3 leads.

Some of the reviews say there is casual full frontal and backal nudity.

Reviews are saying the kissing is around 90 seconds and there is tongue.

Josh O'Connor has made out with a lot of guys on screen.... so I hope they make it good ! 🥵

I could not give two shits about this movie. And I follow tennis.

The Times gave it 5 stars

Is it gay? Does it have any gay content?

Box office predictions are a ho-hum $7-12. Million for opening weekend.

Deadline predicts $15 million. Are Dataloungers lining up to see Zendaya on opening weekend?

Hottie and the Fugs Play Tennis

Sort of surprised this is getting good reviews. I saw the trailer and it is the first thing Guadagnino's done that looks truly terrible to me.

What was the point of having the male leads both be fug? I don’t get it.

Gives the attractive female more power and control. If both guys are hot they have their own power because they can have almost any girl they want, so it takes power away from the attractive female. If the men are meh or fug she has full power and control because they aren’t gonna blow their chances with someone who is out of their league.

Same reason Kubrick cast Shelley Duvall in The Shining r35 as opposed to a conventionally beautiful woman like Hollywood always does. A beautiful woman wouldn’t put up with Jack’s bullshit and abuse. She would be out of his league and have the upper hand most times. Someone like Duvall is more believable to stay in that situation than someone who is beautiful

Vulture has mixed feelings on it.

The New Yorker liked it

Men’s Journal even liked it.

An Instant-Classic!!

I saw it on Monday at an early screening at my local Regal, it was pretty captivating and satisfying.

R47 How gay is it?

Possible mild spoilers:

Except for the well-publicized kiss near the beginning of the movie, there's no real homoeroticism. There're close, as friends, not as unrequited lovers. There's some talk of Patrick's (O'Connor's) big dick but we don't see it. We do see his ass once or twice...

R48 IT IS NOT A GAY MOVIE. You creating that in your mind doesn’t make it a reality.

I hope this happens but it’s still so early in the year.

Goy 5 on the dice in Norway's biggest newspaper VG.

Got*

Zendaya plays an athlete? That’s not distracting? Her upper body could thread a needle.