My favorite movie of 2024 so far. Yes, over that other movie that Zendaya stars in. There are so many elements of Challengers that are at the top of their game. The score by Trent Reznor & Atticus Finch is electric, absolutely enhancing every single scene as the rhythm thunders and vibrates. The acting by the main trio is fantastic, but Zendaya especially is the best that she's ever been. Given a character like Tashie who is clearly hiding a lot behind her exterior, she is able to emote so well without any verbal dialogue, allowing the audience inside the character's head without having to spell it out. The cinematography is breathtaking as well, with plenty of excellent shots and angles that took my breath away. Just when you think you've gotten a grasp on the style, he throws a ball with a ton of topspin right at you. I could have used a little less slow-mo though, especially at the end. Guadagnino is at the top of his game, taking what could have been a fairly linear and straightforward story, slicing and dicing the structure into something far more labyrinthine, and not once losing sight of what matters. This movie is sexy and intense, and a lot of people will talk about the character relationships between the trio (as they should). However, to me, what stands out the most and what made me fall in love with this movie is the exploration of how these three different characters view success in their field of tennis and what each of them is willing to do to achieve that success. Truly a fantastic film.