The film is a rollercoaster ride fueled by the rhythm of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ soundtrack
By Eduardo de Assumpção*
“Rivals” (Challengers, USA, 2024) Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) is a former tennis prodigy, now a coach: a force of nature who allows no mistakes, on and off the court. Thus, her strategy for the redemption of her husband Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), a star who has just returned from a series of defeats, takes a surprising turn when he has to face the now ruined Patrick (Josh O’Connor), once Art’s best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend.
As her past and present collide and tensions rise, Tashi will find herself having to question what the price of victory is. Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes work together again, this time in a story of rise or an atypical foray into the sports film genre.
Although there is also a lot of tennis played, the film is more about love, sex and the energies they release. “Rivals” tells the story of a love triangle whose playing field is always tennis. As 18 year olds, Art and Patrick are very familiar with each other, but their love for Tashi makes them rivals.
Tashi visits the two young people, in their accommodation, as they wished. She leads the conversation, she finally signals that kissing is also allowed. Luca Guadagnino alternates between events that happened now, 13 years ago, or just two weeks or a few hours ago, and thus addresses step by step not only the special dynamics of the characters among themselves, but also of the individuals themselves.
The screenwriter and director construct the film as if it were a real tennis match. The story of the three protagonists unfolds over 13 years, from 2006 to 2019, with the viewer being taken from one side to the other during that time like following a ball.
Guadagnino directs with such drive and sophistication, with such sensuality and a fine sense of thunderous subtext, that it is irresistible. And just as he twists and turns the chronology of love, he also breaks the sequence and impact of tennis and turns it into a rollercoaster powered by the rhythm of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ soundtrack.
*Eduardo de Assumpção is a journalist and responsible for the blog cinematografiaqueer.blogspot.com
Instagram: @cinematografiaqueer
Twitter: @eduardoirib
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.