Celluloid Reflections is an evaluation corner, where I discuss all things media. Find your best-loved picks down below.
CHALLENGERS
By Luca Gaudagnino
A Hollywood stun movie, with three major stars and a few sultry scenes, but just two in the theatre. let’s talk about it.
Disclaimer – there was only two, because my cousin and I decided to watch in Felixstowe’s very small cinema, a week after release. Challengers actually managed to reach a global haul of $52.2 million.
The only way to make a first impression is through the mass surge of attention the film got on TikTok. From Tashi, to two sweaty male tennis players, you’ve got a feast of polished thirst traps, enticing you to spend £8.95 at your local cinema. I was made known of Josh O’Connors ‘Ab preparations’, before I even knew the plot. You could say that is TikTok’s role to play. Its ability to thrust all international infatuations upon us and make the term ‘ugly hot’ a reasonable affair. One I won’t complain at.
A rich score from Nelly Furtado to Trent Reznor, invading your ears. Providing a trance of seductive tension throughout, dominating its spectators; imparting us with an abiding gape. This is what causes my concern for the generational boomers. They may find Art’s assertive smirk too erotic, or Patrick’s devious smile too tempting. Yet, I can imagine the millennial mums won’t mind.
When I’ve mentioned that I’ve seen Challengers, and they ask what’s it is about. I tend to say the same thing, which is “Zendaya just goes from one to the other”. It’s a pretty tasteless description, of what I believe to be a high standard of Gaudagnino’s cinematography. But my crude interpretation, ultimately goes with Challengers back and forth metaphor, that is embedded within the game of tennis. Where two players agree to partake, for hours, in a duel of body, mind, and soul. Holding a constant tension between obsession and desire, being a medium to examine the dynamics of relationships.
Overall, Gaudagnino’s films often confront the challenges of human existence, whether it be love, identity, or personal growth. His unique visual style and ability to capture raw emotions make his work hypnotic and resonant.
A film I’d see again.
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