In the new film by Luca Guadagnino, director of call me by your namewhich is an erotic triangle, Zendaya consolidates that he is a star, even moving away from his childish character and in the role of companion in the latest saga of Spider-Man. In truth, what is happening with the 27-year-old girl is nothing new: Euphoriathe MAX series, put it on a pedestal that it earned in its own right.
And today, Zendaya chooses the roles she wants to play without having to think about how much she is going to earn, because it could go as a percentage of the profits from her films, like Tom Cruise does.
In Challenging (Challengerswhich saw its premiere delayed since September last year due to the actors’ strike) is not the only protagonist: Josh O’Connor, who was Prince Charles in The Crownand Mike Faist (Riff in the Love without barriersby Steven Spielberg) accompany her in this sports and romantic, and also erotic, drama.
Everything happens in the world of tennis. Art Donaldson (Faist) has not been winning any matches, and he is a multiple champion, so his partner Tashi (Zendaya) decides to enter him in a “challenger” tournament. There he would not have to compete with players of his level but rather a lower one, which would make it possible for him to win not only matches, but also confidence given the proximity of the United States Open.
But, and there always has to be a but for the plots to grow, advance, the plan is not perfect, because Patrick Zweig (O’Connor), not only Donaldson’s former best friend but also Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, signed up for that same tournament.
Tashi is the coach and wife of Donaldson, who saw her playing career end after a leg injury.
With eyes on Zendaya
The story will go back and forth, so that we know how this erotic triangle was built in the past, when the three were younger than at present. Art and Patrick were friends almost since childhood, and at a tournament they are both enthralled by Tashi on the playing court. The rest of the audience turns their heads to see the ball, but they only have eyes for it.
One thing will lead to another, and the three of them will end up in a hotel room, drinking beer and kissing (everyone with everyone). The next day Art and Patrick are supposed to face each other in a match, but Tashi tells them that whoever wins the match will get his cell phone number (no Instagram or TikTok).
What do they have in common? All three are after sex and success.
With another. Tashi with Patrick (Josh O’Connor). Challenging It is a somewhat wild love story, and at times it is a sharp film, especially from the dialogues. The energy shown by the Italian director is sensual and direct.
The film has a lot of previous films by Guadagnino, who pays special attention to the soundtrack, and never worries about his close-ups resembling television frames. Provocative until the end, this film has everything, or almost everything, to be a success.
Drama/Romance. United States, 2024. Original title: “Challengers”. 131′, SAM 13 R. Of: Luca Guadagnino. With: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, Bryan Doo. Rooms: Hoyts Abasto and Unicenter, Cinépolis Recoleta, Showcase Belgrano and Norcenter.
