Challengers
Movie, 2024, The 2020s, Set in A tennis love triangle
Challengers is #33 of 35 in release order and #33 of 35 in chronological order in the Sports Movies.
The story
Tennis player turned coach Tashi has taken her husband, Art, and transformed him into a world-famous Major champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she signs him up for a "Challenger" event — close to the lowest level of pro tournament — where he finds himself standing across the net from his former best friend and Tashi's former boyfriend.
Challengers recap
Challengers (2024) follows tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan, her husband Art and his former best friend Patrick, across 13 years that end in one tense final. Luca Guadagnino directs this tennis drama, written by Justin Kuritzkes, with a score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. In 2019, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), a fading champion one US Open short of a career Grand Slam, is entered by his wife and coach Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) in a Challenger event in New Rochelle to rebuild his confidence. Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor) is living out of his car and playing the same tournament. Flashbacks show the two boys winning a junior doubles title in 2006 and both falling for Tashi, who promises her number to whoever wins their singles final. Patrick wins and dates her while Art goes to Stanford with her. After an argument with Patrick, Tashi tears a knee ligament and her playing career ends. Art becomes her partner, but she sleeps with Patrick in 2011. Challengers follows Air and comes before F1.
Challengers ending explained
Challengers ends with Art and Patrick colliding at the net and embracing mid-point in the final tiebreak, and Tashi rising from her seat to shout "Come on!" The night before, Art says he will retire, and Tashi asks Patrick to throw the match; they sleep together in his car. At match point, Patrick uses Art's old serve signal to tell him what happened. Art reacts, the two play the tiebreak with real joy, and the final score is never shown.
Post-credits scenes
No. Challengers has no mid- or post-credits scene.
Where to watch Challengers
Challengers is streaming on Paramount+ in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.0/10, Rotten Tomatoes 88%
Where it fits
Cast
- Zendaya as Tashi Donaldson
- Mike Faist as Art Donaldson
- Josh O'Connor as Patrick Zweig
- Darnell Appling as Umpire (New Rochelle Final)
- Bryan Doo as Art's Physiotherapist
- Shane T Harris as Art's Security Guard
- Nada Despotovich as Tashi's Mother
- Joan Mcshane as Line Judge (New Rochelle Final)
- Chris Fowler as TV Sports Commentator (Atlanta 2019)
- Mary Joe Fernández as TV Sports Commentator (Atlanta 2019)
- A.J. Lister as Lily
- Connor Aulson as Leo Du Marier
Directed by Luca Guadagnino.