Zendaya's "Challengers" being a visual feast that tests her range

Zendaya embodies a fascinating case in the acting world. Her captivating role in the "Spider-Man" trilogy and mature, reclusive portrayal in "Euphoria," particularly in the first season, showcase her as an actress who can navigate blockbuster hits and more nuanced roles requiring greater craftsmanship.

This year, however, the conversation around her talent and capabilities has taken a complex turn. The sequel to "Dune" has somewhat marred her reputation. After the film's release, social media was awash with comments from viewers criticizing Zendaya for maintaining a singular facial expression throughout. While some may argue that her character Chani's demeanor was a directorial choice, the lack of variation in her expressions did draw ire and was seen as lacking in depth.

Zendaya's role in Dune 2 also raises concerns. Although she excels at portraying contemporary teenagers—despite no longer being one herself at 27 years old—her seeming typecasting threatens to limit her versatility. This issue becomes evident in her new project, "Challengers," by Luca Guadagnino. In the film, Zendaya's teenage Tashi Duncan becomes the focal point of admiration for two aspiring tennis players, Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O'Connor), who view her as a goddess.

In "Challengers," Zendaya charms audiences through Guadagnino's lens, capturing attention with her presence. Yet, challenges arise when she portrays a woman in her 30s, encountering a somewhat limited expressive range that harkens back to her performance in "Dune." This has led some to question whether "Euphoria" was merely a stroke of luck, as "Challengers" may not quell the skepticism regarding Zendaya’s acting prowess.

Fortunately, the narrative structure of "Challengers" often overshadows Zendaya's performance issues. The film follows Art, Tashi's husband, during a low point in his tennis career. Tashi's decision to enter him into a Challenger tournament sets the stage for an unexpected final against Patrick, Art's former friend. The story unfolds through flashbacks that reveal intricate details of a fractured friendship and complex romantic ties, particularly a longstanding love triangle involving Patrick and Tashi.

This storytelling approach shifts our views on the characters mid-film. The young versions of Art and Patrick share an endearing chemistry, presenting a couple-like dynamic. As adults, however, their relationships lose their luster, and it becomes hard to empathize with any of them, especially Tashi.

While this is an intended narrative effect, it's debatable whether screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes fully realized his vision, as the story occasionally feels repetitive and surface-level. Director Guadagnino's comfort with youthful themes over the more settled lives of thirty-somethings is evident despite his exceptional ability to captivate visually.

Yet, "Challengers" shines as a visually striking sports film. The director intriguingly parallels tennis with sex, transforming the court exchanges into a study of sensuality. The on-screen match is an exhilarating collection of slow-motion close-ups and actor point-of-view shots, capturing every detail of the game's physicality.

These sequences delight tennis enthusiasts and transcend the sport's typical cinematic portrayal, making "Challengers" a visually mesmerizing experience that outclasses previous tennis-themed films.

In summary, while "Challengers" might not revolutionize Zendaya’s acting reputation, its innovative narrative and visual mastery by Luca Guadagnino contribute a unique flavor to American cinema, rekindling a sense of eroticism that has been missing in recent years.