Acclaimed actress Zendaya recently made waves at the box office with the anticipation her latest film “Challengers.” In true Zendaya fashion, her promotional tour for the movie was steeped in unique fashion choices, as she was seen donning clothing pieces inspired by tennis, hinting at a recurring theme in the film. As critics began offering their thoughts on the movie ahead of its April 26th theatrical release, it appears that the red carpet is not the only arena where Zendaya shines.
The Plot
In the film, Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, a retired tennis player turned coach. She devises a plan to help her husband Art Donaldson, played by Mike Faist, reclaim his lost glory by having him compete in a challenging tennis tournament. However, things do not go as planned when Donaldson ends up facing his ex-best friend and Tashi’s former lover, Patrick Zweig, played by Josh O’Connor.
Critical Reception
Tasha Robinson of Polygon reviewed the movie as “blisteringly sexy,” showcasing a perfect blend of fast-paced dialogue and sensual physicality. On the other end, Coleman Spilde of The Daily Beast advised audiences to prepare for a captivating erotic film, praising director Luca Guadagnino for the unpredictability and playfulness of his work. Matt Zoller Seitz from RogerEbert.com rated the movie 3.5 out of 4 stars, elevating the spirit of vibrant competition within the film. Maureen Lee Lenker from EW and David Ehrlich from IndieWire also gave rave reviews, offering A- grades, and applauding the balance between eroticism and sport in the film.
Current Rating
It seems that the critics’ enthusiasm for “Challengers” is widely shared, as the movie currently carries an impressive 96% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on more than 45 critics’ reviews. Zendaya’s latest film is set to hit theaters on Friday, April 26th.
Wrapping Up
The critics have spoken, and their praise suggests “Challengers” is a must-see film for movie lovers. To stay updated on the latest and greatest film releases, head over to HitPlay.
