Challengers (2024)

Earlier this year, when I saw pictures of Zendaya at the Monte-Carlo Open, I wasn't sure why there was as much focus. Later, I got to know about 'Challengers', the tennis-based movie in which she stars. I then saw that On Running, owned by Roger Federer, has a brand partnership with Zendaya. That was enough to get me interested in watching the movie.

For a change, I could recognise the brand placements in the movie. Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, Head, Wilson, Babolat, On Running - all were familiar. Also familiar was the US Open background, with JPMorgan featuring prominently.

I loved the script - all three main characters are fleshed out well - and I loved most of the tennis sequences. Brad Gilbert has played a part in making the tennis look authentic, and code violations are introduced well. It was interesting to see that the female lead is the most tennis obsessed of the three. Perhaps the most talented too, with her career cut short by injury. I also liked that she is a Black woman.

The movie explores love triangles, male jealousy, sexual tension, financial stability cleverly, and shows how fights before crucial matches can have career-threatening impact. One wrong move, one serious injury and suddenly life changes dramatically.

I liked how the man-child authentically responds to him being called one. "I have played with a ball and racquet all my life". Perhaps he didn't charm only the characters in the movie :)

I am expecting the movie to get an Oscar nod for the script. Let's go!