Why Zendaya's steamy tennis love triangle triumph Challengers is THE movie of ... trends now
From its steamy trailer to Zendaya's tennis-themed press tour wardrobe, Challengers became one of the most talked-about movies of 2024 even before its release.
And the romantic sports drama has not failed to disappoint as leading stars Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist have captured viewers with their messy on-screen love triangle.
Underscored by a thumping electronic soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and his collaborator Atticus Ross, the movie artfully brings together sport and romance into one tense storyline with high stakes.
Its success has certainly been proven in the box office as it became the number one movie in America in its opening weekend, raking in a massive $15million (AUD20million).
Challengers has seen director Luca Guadagnino secure his biggest box office opening, while it also marks a major milestone for Zendaya as her first lead role.
From its steamy trailer to Zendaya's tennis-themed press tour wardrobe, Challengers became one of the most talked about movies of 2024 before its release (Zendaya is pictured in the film)
Critics have heaped praise on the steamy tennis movie as they noted it is 'bristling with sexual tension' and 'hugely entertaining' in a string of rave reviews.
The love triangle drama sees Zendaya star as tennis superstar Tashi Duncan, who turns to coaching after being forced to give up on her dreams due to a knee injury.
She is forced to pursue her tennis dreams vicariously through her best friend Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), who she coaches and goes on to fall in love with and marry.
The movie kicks off with Tashi counselling Art back into action after an injury as he faces off against Tashi's ex-boyfriend and his former best friend Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor) on the court.
The movie jumps between the career-deciding tennis face-off and 13 years before, when Tashi first met best friends Art and Patrick and their lives became forever intertwined.
The romantic sports drama has not failed to disappoint as leading stars Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist captured viewers with their on-screen messy love triangle
With the stakes just as high off the court, Tashi's feelings become conflicted at Patrick's sudden reappearance at the Challenger Tour as their fractured relationships are delved into.
Viewers are clued in on the trio's intertwined relationships in the flashbacks, as they share a racy three-way kiss in a pivotal scene, kicking off the start of their messy bisexual love triangle.
Tashi then promises to give her number to whoever wins in their first tennis face-off, hinting at the competitive and driven drama viewers should expect from then on.
Art and Patrick are then set up as rivals for Tashi's affections, whilst sharing their own fair share of charged moments, as they try and balance their love lives with a hunger for success as tennis pros.
The artfully complex movie delves into the deep emotional ties between the three entangled characters and how they are all willing to do what it takes for their moment of tennis glory.
Its success has certainly shown in the box office as it became the number one movie in America in its opening weekend, raking in a massive $15million (pictured: Zendaya and Mike)
With everything leading up to the pivotal final match, even non-tennis fans will find themselves rooting for the stakes both on and off the court in a 'game, set, love match' dynamic.
Framed perfectly in the nail-biting sporting showdown, the ending shows how love conquers all as the three tennis pros reconnect and get what they truly need from the sport and each other.
Throughout the movie, all three sides of the messy love triangle intertwine in true bisexual representation, with writer Justin Kuritzkes himself discussing the dynamics.
'What's true about a love triangle is that every love triangle is, by its nature, queer,' he told Variety.
'Whether you intend to be or not, you're in an intimate relationship with two other people.'
Challengers has seen director Luca Guadagnino secure his biggest box office opening, while it also marks a major milestone for Zendaya (pictured) as her
