Zendaya is a real movie star. The actor is one of the most popular and most photographed young women on the planet, her on-camera talent and funny, glamorous off-screen personality – along with her almost unbearably cute relationship with her Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland – making her a valuable Hollywood power player. But despite the movie-star wattage she radiates, movies have yet to grasp her potential. She’s fundamental.
She is other-worldly – radiant, exotic. possessed of the same qualities of the greats of the past. Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn, Grace Kelly. There are more and you could name them, but for now let’s just enjoy this glittering presence.
Challengers became one of the most talked-about movies of 2024 even before its release.
Leading stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist have captured viewers with their messy on-screen love triangle.
Underscored by a thumping electronic soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and his collaborator Atticus Ross, the movie artfully brings together sport and romance into one tense storyline with high stakes.
Its success has certainly been proven in the box office as it became the number one movie in America in its opening weekend, raking in a massive $15million (AUD20million).
Challengers has seen director Luca Guadagnino secure his biggest box office opening, while it also marks a major milestone for Zendaya as her first lead role.
Critics have heaped praise on the steamy tennis movie as they noted it is ‘bristling with sexual tension’ and ‘hugely entertaining’ in a string of rave reviews.
The love triangle drama sees Zendaya star as tennis superstar Tashi Duncan, who turns to coaching after being forced to give up on her dreams due to a knee injury.
She is forced to pursue her tennis dreams vicariously through her best friend Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), who she coaches and goes on to fall in love with and marry.
The movie kicks off with Tashi counselling Art back into action after an injury as he faces off against Tashi’s ex-boyfriend and his former best friend Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) on the court.
The movie jumps between the career-deciding tennis face-off and 13 years before, when Tashi first met best friends Art and Patrick and their lives became forever intertwined.
Yesterday at The Met Gala. Zendaya is a real movie star.
