Between endless tennis matches and the exaltation of the heart, the director of the film “Call Me by Your Name” tells us the story of a fun but predictable love triangle embodied by a believable trio of actors.
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Reading time: 3 min
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Between Call me by your namewhich quickly became a classic of queer cinema, a remake of the film Suspiria who was unable to convince and a romance that was not unanimous (Bones and all), this time suggested by Luca Guadagnino Challengers (release scheduled for April 24) as a sign of his return, in which he tries to break the codes of sports movies.
In this film, Zendaya – after being Chani in the Dune Denis Villeneuve – plays Tashi, a former professional tennis player whose career on the court ended after an injury. She became a coach and sports manager. Her only client is her husband Art (played by Mike Faist, known for his role in story from the west side).
Art was able to become a leading figure in men’s tennis, largely thanks to Tashi’s guidance. But the champion is losing momentum, his comeback attempt will have to be accomplished by winning against his former best friend, Patrick (played by Josh O’Connor, known for his role as Prince Charles in the Netflix series Crown) who is none other than Tasha’s ex. Two boys, one girl, three possibilities. That’s how Luca Guadagnino draws us a dysfunctional love triangle, which will last 13 years.
Patrick, Art and Tashi play a very specific role in the story of this trio: one is a clichéd seducer, the other is ready to do anything to be loved, and the third is an ambitious young woman who saw her destiny to be broken within seconds.
A convincing toxic love triangle
Under the direction of Luca Guadagnino, these three characters, convincingly played by a trio of actors representing the new generation of Hollywood, will find themselves drawn into a love triangle. In the film, Tashi mischievously plays with the expectations of her two suitors, but without falling into the stereotype of a woman who destroys friendships.
More than sexual desire and the promise of sulphurous scenes, the director immerses us in the study of toxic relationships. For several years, thirteen years to be exact, Patrick and Art took a winding road driven by competition and their egos. It is up to the viewer to turn their head left and right to watch the shots that follow one after the other. Those blows that are a metaphor for the power games between Tashi and her two lovers, but above all a metaphor for desire.
Tennis, a metaphor for desire
Fans of sports movies may want more. Actually,Tennis is the background here for several duels of seduction and ego. Many parallels are drawn between sports and the two young men’s plans to win Tasha’s heart. Tennis here is a metaphor for desire. A desire, also personified by Tashi, that has considerable power over the decisions of each of the two former best friends.
Challengers offers an exchange of balls lasting longer than two hours. The pace of the film is slowed down by several flashbacks that follow the action of the film. A plot that, even if it is entertaining, remains predictable and does not get into the issues. However, the last part of the film brings some good ideas of suspense and ending between the characters. But the story, in its entirety, remains long.
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sheet
Sex: Drama, Romance
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Actors: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist
State: UNITED STATES
Duration: 2h11
Exit : April 24, 2024
Synopsis: During their studies, Patrick and Art fall in love with Tasha. Friends, lovers and rivals at the same time, all three see their paths cross again years later. Their past and present collide and previously unacknowledged tensions resurface.