Somewhat Philosophical Review of 'Challengers'

Welcome back to my blog! 'Challengers' defied my expectations. Through its complex characters, particularly Tashi, I felt that the film offered commentary on human desires. Let’s dive into this (with light spoilers ahead.)

From start to finish, "Challengers" proved to be an exceptional cinematic experience. What captivated me most was its unique narrative. The film unfolds as the climax continuously unravels, while simultaneously delving into the events leading up to the finale. This narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, making each twist and turn more exciting.

The storyline itself was engaging, and what I found particularly interesting was the absence of a clear protagonist. After finishing the movie, I realized that their inherent motives drove each character, with every individual primarily concerned with their desires or objectives. While it may seem harsh, I couldn't shake the feeling that all the characters displayed a certain level of selfishness. However, this aspect contributed to the story’s greatness. I felt like it was a commentary on human nature, explained perfectly by Tashi in one scene when she dismisses needing validation of her worthiness of love by Patrick to Art.

This is a bit of a tangent, but after watching this film, it got me thinking about love and life. I have had this thought before, and I think this movie exemplifies this idea: Can humans put aside their selfishness enough to truly love someone else more than they love themselves? This thought and this movie got me thinking about my prior relationships. I dated a guy for a few years and broke it off with him because I didn’t want to live where he did, and neither of us was willing to compromise for the other.

Another big theme in this movie was about control. From beginning to end, Tashi was in control of literally everything that happened. I felt like I could relate to Tashi’s character. I love how strong of a woman she was and how much control she had over the people around her; she was the literal definition of a maneater. Circling back to my previous question about love, I wonder if Tashi really loved Art, or if she just loved being in control of him for her selfish desires.

On another, lighter note, the cinematography in this film was insane. The last 10 minutes of the movie had some of the best shots of the entire film. The way it was shot, you quite literally felt like you were in the middle of the tennis match.

In essence, I thought that "Challengers" isn't just about a story; it's a reflection on the complexities of human behavior and desires. This film is worth checking out while it is in theaters.