First reactions enthusiastic about Challengersthe new film by Luca Guadagnino with Zendaya defined by critics as “incredibly hot” and “sexy”, awaiting our review, which will be online on April 12th at 3pm. The film, which also stars Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, describes a sentimental triangle set in the world of professional tennis.
Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy who, after being forced to retire due to a serious injury, has become the coach of her husband Art (Mike Faist), who seeks to revive his tennis career. To shake Art off a losing streak, Tashi suggests he take part in a tournament where she finds herself facing off against her former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick (Josh O’Connor).
L’Italian release of Challengers is scheduled for April 25th.
Challengers, Zendaya: “The intimacy coordinator essential for hot scenes, I felt safe”
The first reactions from critics
Zendaya turned heads by showing off a truly sexy tennis-inspired look during her visit to Rome to promote Challengers, which you can find in our report on. But there are many aspects of Guadagnino’s film appreciated by critics, as revealed by the first reactions leaked on social media.
Erik Anderson by AwardsWatch described the film as “incredibly hot” and Zendaya as one “star with a capital S”.
Trace Sauveur is also enthusiastic, writing: “Challengers is an electric, character-driven drama. Career-best performances from Zendaya, Faist and O’Connor are no exception. Reznor/Ross’ pulsating electronic score animates dialogue scenes as if they were action sequences. I live.”
“Challengers is an incredibly well-crafted drama from Luca Guadagnino that unravels its many layers with style and intensity. The highlights are the performance by Zendaya, O’Connor and Faist who all exceeded expectations. One of the best films of 2024.” writes Carson Timar.
Jamie Arena comments: “Challengers by Luca Guadagnino is a juicy and sexy character drama. Zendaya, Faist and O’Connor deliver an emotional match on and off the court, accompanied by a heart-throbbing, kick-ass electronic soundtrack.”.
Lauren Veneziani’s comment is also superb: “CHALLENGERS is mine Favorite movie of the year until now. Stellar performances from Zendaya, Josh & Mike for these complex characters. The Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross score is intense and elevates the story. I think it’s the masterpiece by Luca Guadagnino“.
While it is clear that it is above all the performances of the three protagonists that attract attention, many critics have praised the film’s soundtrackwith Leo Rydel describing her as “a character in his own right” and Michael Cuby who defines it “sexy, loud and intense”.
