Over the past decade or so, Hollywood has experienced a sex recession, mirroring trends in the rest of America. Depictions of intimate scenes, once common in big-screen productions, have become scarce. Nudity has almost disappeared, particularly in high-budget films. The number of romantic comedies produced by studios has decreased. Even children’s movies have shifted away from traditional love story plots to focus on themes of empowerment and self-discovery.
Several factors contributed to this shift: the #MeToo movement raised awareness about unnecessary and exploitative on-screen sex and nudity, the rise of superhero films shifted the focus away from adult-oriented movies, and changes in physical appearance among male actors for superhero roles altered the on-screen dynamic. This led to a peculiar situation where, as one writer noted, “everyone is beautiful and no one is horny.”
Therefore, it’s surprising to encounter a film where everyone is not just beautiful but also very, very horny. The theme of sexual desire and its impact on various aspects of life takes center stage in Challengers. This movie is a wild, enjoyable love triangle romp—possibly the most provocative tennis film ever made and exactly what Hollywood needs.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers follows the story of three ambitious tennis players entangled in love and lust. The cast includes Mike Faist as Art Donaldson, the earnest member of the trio, Josh O’Connor as Patrick Zweig, the charming yet unpredictable player, and Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis star turned coach after an injury.
Kuritzkes’ screenplay navigates through time, showcasing the trio’s journey from their initial meeting at a junior tournament to the peak of their careers, depicting their unions and separations. The non-linear storytelling spanning a decade captures the evolution of desire and its transformation into obsession.
Zendaya’s Duncan becomes the pivot between the two male leads, with the competition extending beyond her attention. A pivotal early scene features the trio engaging in a three-way kiss, with Duncan observing as the men continue without her, deriving pleasure from both attention and power dynamics.
What sets Challengers apart is its exploration of adult desires, intertwining attraction with self-reflection. The film delves into the interplay of lust, love, heartbreak, ambition, and self-perception over time. The shifting dynamics between the characters reveal the complexities of relationships and personal growth.
Every scene, interaction, and tennis match in the movie emphasizes the connections between sport, ambition, sex, power, and identity. The vulnerability displayed by the young leads manifests as intense desire rather than softness, portraying a narrative of yearning and ambition in all aspects of life. Tennis acts as a metaphor for the intimate exchange between individuals seeking deeper self-understanding.
The comparison between tennis and sex may seem tenuous, but Challengers skillfully explores the power dynamics and meta-game of lust and ambition within the sport. Director Guadagnino’s dynamic vision, coupled with a vibrant score by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, elevates the film’s energy levels and underscores the sensual dance of desire and dominance.
Challengers doesn’t rely on gratuitous nudity or explicit content, yet it exudes a palpable erotic intensity rooted in star charisma and cinematic allure, a quality lacking in recent mainstream films. While one movie may not reverse Hollywood’s trend of avoiding sexuality, Challengers serves as a promising step towards revitalizing on-screen sensuality.
