Zendaya shines in a sexually charged game in Challengers

Intense Competition on and off the Tennis Court

If you're looking for a sexually charged film with a fast-paced storyline, Challengers delivers just that. Best friends Patrick and Art, played by Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, are living on the edge in the game of doubles. Full of energy and hormones, they have a chaotic style both on and off the tennis court, mixing wins with evenings of smoking and drinking. But everything changes when they meet rising superstar Tashi, played by Zendaya, leading to a love triangle that escalates into a fierce competition.

An Entanglement of Obsession and Jealousy

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for Call Me By Your Name, Challengers offers an up-close-and-personal look at the lives of the characters. The film is mischievous, funny, tense, and bitter, with plenty of time-hopping that adds a refreshing touch to the storyline. Zendaya's portrayal of the ultra-ambitious Tashi sets a new standard for leading women in cinema, showcasing unwavering determination and power in a female character. The enthralling grudge match between the friends turned rivals is more captivating than any Wimbledon final.

The American Society of Magical Negroes - A Mixed Bag

On the flip side, The American Society of Magical Negroes fails to cast a spell despite tackling stereotypes in a riotous manner. The muddled satire by writer-director Kobi Libii falls short of expectations, leading Justice Smith on a journey as part of a secret society. The film struggles to find its footing, shifting from a social commentary to a rom-com without fully engaging the audience.

I.S.S - A Tense Space Drama

I.S.S, starring Ariana DeBose, follows a group of American and Russian astronauts dealing with the aftermath of a global nuclear war from outer space. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite delivers a tense thriller that explores Cold War themes and the consequences of blind obedience to orders. DeBose shines as American astronaut Dr Kira Foster, navigating the complexities of the situation alongside her Russian counterparts. Despite a questionable ending, the film offers a modern take on a classic thriller genre.