CHALLENGERS is the sexiest movie of the year | Movie Review/Discussion

My spoiler free thoughts on Challengers, Luca Guadagnino’s newest film starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. What are your thoughts on Challengers?

TIME CODES:
Intro - 00:00
Summary - 0:33
Themes - 1:16
Technical - 3:16
Ending - 3:55
Performances - 5:04
Issues? - 5:47
Overall thoughts/rating - 6:28

#challengers #challengersmovie #zendaya #mikefaist #lucaguadagnino #Movies #whattowatch #2024movies #romance #tennis #sports #sportsmovie #challengersreview #moviereview

[TheBurgundyRobot]

The camerawork in here is insane. Was always in awe with all of the camerawork here. Plus, with the score by Reznoe/Ross, I was in HEAVEN!!

[samfilmkid]

Luca understands what many filmmakers and, honestly, audiences don't: A movie does not require sex or even nudity to be erotic. You need a good script and actors with chemistry, or you have nothing.

[alexleonce]

Challengers really proves how versatile of a filmmaker Luca is. Going from two sensual romance dramas (I Am Love is very overlooked), grotesque but beautiful horrors and now essentially a hyper-active and flashy sports soap opera...he has the juice!

[AlexLopez-xbyn]

Challengers feels like a film that has the energy straight out of the 80s. The Score from Reznor and Ross is one of my favorites in recent memory. Great video Sydney.

[juanwhoknocks]

I loved how brutally honest Tashi was with the two. Both men are so comfortable being sly and dancing around issues, but she really forces both of them into finally being blunt with one another in the end. Beyond just inspiring them and getting what she wants, she is the catalyst that forces both of them to confront what they were avoiding.

[Awhmanitsdanttv]

That’s what’s so beautiful about this movie, The lack of showing the sex but knowing the context of the non sex sex scenes, it felt more intimate and intense.

[coleshilobrit]

Got out of the theater a little more than an hour ago, and I love this film. The dynamic of the three leads was electric and sensual with one of the best endings that I have seen.

[Gemstar_]

Luca directs like beautiful waves in a sea/beach that invites you in for a nice swim, metaphorically speaking. So ironically, his films lure me in from the beginning, then in the midpoint, he slows things down in a more relaxing feel, sometimes to the point I even get bored. Then as his films are ending, he builds things up again by ending things with a big splash; an ending which I least expected to happen. I saw about 3-4 of Luca's films and, to date, my favourite film thus far is "Call Me by Your Name." Luca's films have a 'reality tv' essence, which is nice to watch outside the blockbuster genres.

[joehavermann]

I'm also giving it 4.5/5 -- your review perfectly captures my own reaction, and more eloquently than I ever could. One thing I will say is that I found myself not responding to the radical jumps in time. I don't fault the screenwriter because I'm honestly not sure how he could have told this story in any other way while adhering to its narrative beats, and the events themselves are not hard to follow. But whereas the constant time jumps might have added to the film's frenetic energy, for me it felt a bit jarring and disjointed. ("Thirteen years ago! Two weeks ago! Five years and six months before that time two weeks ago, plus two hours! Now back to the present!")

That's a quibble, though. I really enjoyed it.

[sirtorchington]

Upon watching ur vid I am soooo happy I avoided trailers, her getting injured was like a jump scare Luca style!!! If I was a betting man I would have put money on a Luca + Reznor/Ross collab being a horror film, yet here we are. Absolutely exquisite film

[tylerblair]

I'm so glad I've found your channel. You and Adam Nayman are probably my favorite critics or film adjacent people. Very well thought out but never condescending or snooty.

[friendly-bq]

Just what I thought Sydney, I am just getting ready here in my hometown in Spain to go to the movie theater to see Challengers, I am looking forward to it. Thank you for another great review. Movies are for ever !!!

[toontalks]

literally just came out of the theater and saw your review lol. Couldn't agree with you more!

[zachcameron]

Re: "biblical" -

Tashi: I'm not a Nun, I'm not your Mommy

Art: I just want to know that you love me no matter what.

Tashi (laughs} What am I? Jesus?

Art: Yes.

[dannykessler]

“One of those movies that everyone kind of sucks” THIS. I can’t remember the last time a movie made me so angry at character decisions. Definitely enjoyed it, but the best compliment I could give one of the three leads is “I don’t hate him”, and that typically keeps me from loving a film

[josevader_]

Amazing vid Sydney ❤the score is amazing

[HarryThomasPictures]

Awesome review Sydney, this is hands down my most anticipated movie of April. Zendaya can do no wrong she's on a roll with this and Dune Part 2 this year!

[thebarndoor]

Congrats on over 12k subscribers!! Love, your mom xo

[DaveyBoik]

Watched it back on Friday and really enjoyed it. Planning on watching again soon.

[MrTkennedy]

Loved this review and you earned a sub because I love your energy and enthusiasm!