The 2024 sports romance drama 'Challengers,' featuring Josh O'Connor from 'The Crown' and Zendaya, is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer for a limited 27-day window. The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, follows a love triangle between three tennis players over 13 years, culminating in a tense match on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Plot and Cast
Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, an injured tennis star turned coach. Josh O'Connor portrays Patrick Zweig, her ex-boyfriend and a struggling lower-circuit player. Mike Faist, known for 'West Side Story,' plays Art Donaldson, Tashi's champion husband and Patrick's former best friend. The story builds to a high-stakes showdown between the two men.
Critical Acclaim
Written by Justin Kuritzkes and directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It earned four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and won Best Original Score. One viewer called it 'outstanding,' praising its structure, editing, and tense, rewarding narrative. Another described the cinematography as 'jaw dropping,' especially the tennis matches.
Viewer Reactions
Audiences have been captivated. One fan said, 'This is how cinema is done,' while another noted, 'It had been a while since a movie captivated me this much.' A third viewer wrote, 'This movie absolutely FLOORED me. The direction, the script, the music, the acting—it felt like real life.' The film is described as a 'compelling, thrill ride' with masterful direction.
Availability
'Challengers' is streaming now on BBC and BBC iPlayer, but only for 27 days from its upload date. Viewers are urged to watch before it expires.
