‘Challengers’ Is The Steamy, Synth-Laden, Sonically Charged Tennis Drama You’ve Been Waiting For

Sex. Sweat. Synth.

Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers pairs these three elements together to make one hell of a concoction –– delivering an exhilarating piece of filmmaking that perfectly captures the rush, intimacy, and intensity of tennis. 

The Italian auteur is no stranger to capturing passion and sensuality with his filmography, as exemplified by his critically acclaimed hit drama, Call Me By Your Name (2017), or his more underrated indie projects like A Bigger Splash (2015). Yet with this movie, he changes up his signature style to incorporate an almost primal, if not animalistic, depiction of desire that aptly falls within the jurisdiction of a clay-coated tennis court. 

At the center of the film are Tashi Duncan (Zendaya, Dune and Euphoria), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist, West Side Story), and Patrick Zweige (Josh O’Connor, The Crown) –– three talented tennis players who get intertwined in a love triangle that is deep-seated with sex, power, and ambition. Their relationships with one another are emotionally charged in a frenzied dynamic that spans just a little over a decade, which is closely tied to their careers as athletes.

It’s no surprise that Zendaya herself is a powerhouse performer in the film, especially if you’ve witnessed her critically acclaimed performances in Dune: Part Two (2024) and HBO’s award-winning series Euphoria. The former Disney star takes a sharp 180° turn from her usual roles to bring Tashi to life, with her stone-cold and power-hungry characterization adding nuance to a flawed persona that feels larger than life. 

Opposite to her, Faist and O’Connor’s portrayals as Art and Patrick serve as the two beating hearts of the film, with their commendable “fire and ice” dynamic establishing the two actors as some of Hollywood’s most exciting actors to watch. Even if it’s on or off the court, it’s an absolute thrill to witness the chemistry and banter between the two, especially when it comes to their competitive nature to capture Tashi’s attention.

Yet what keeps the film in perfect rhythm throughout its two-hour runtime is Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ electronic synth score, which works wonders as the throbbing pulse of the film. Reznor and Ross’ compositions elevate the kinetic camerawork (which showcases tennis as you’ve never seen it before), exceptional editing, and Justin Kuritzkes’ razor-sharp script with a level of tension that keeps the story moving at a thrilling pace –– whether it’s utilized in an escalating argument or within an active tennis match.

The main “Challengers” track is perhaps the most recurring theme present, bolstering moments of stress for the film’s three protagonists with its rapid beats, moody synths, and haunting backing vocals that fittingly heighten the nerves of the audience watching. Other themes like “The Signal” or “Brutalizer” indicate the lustful, if not titillating segments driven by our lead character’s passions, as the vocoder elements pair with swift tempos that sonically soar similarly to a warbled siren or alarm.  

It’s undoubtedly their best original score since their Academy Award-winning work on David Lynch’s The Social Network (2010), given how seamlessly it engrains itself into the DNA of the film. Every beat has a significant purpose, and in several ways acts as a living, breathing character –– demonstrating just how integral of a role Reznor and Ross’ music adds to the final product of this phenomenal sports drama.

Ultimately, Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers stands out as an early contender for one of the year’s best feature films (and perhaps one of his personal best works to date), with its original premise, outstanding performances, and exciting filmmaking style pairing perfectly with its music. Don’t be surprised if you’ll be seeing the film nominated for several trophies next awards season –– as this terrific tennis triangle results in one absolute ace of a film.

Challengers will be distributed internationally by Warner Bros. Pictures, and premieres in the Philippines this April 24, 2024, exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide. 

Reserve your tickets via SureSeats here.

Listen to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ score to Challengers below: