In a recent interview with IMDb, Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor shared some of their favorite scenes from their upcoming film Challengers, offering a glimpse into the movie’s stunning visuals and the emotional depth of its characters. Their insights highlight the intricate relationships and intense moments that make the film stand out.
Mike Faist’s Favorite Scenes: Innovative Tennis Shots
Mike Faist highlighted two standout scenes for him, both involving the sport that lies at the film’s core—tennis. The first is what he calls the “under-the-floor tennis shot,” where the camera is placed underneath the court, creating a captivating visual that brings viewers right into the action. This unique angle emphasizes the physicality of the game while reflecting the characters’ inner emotional struggles.
Director Luca Guadagnino used an old camera capable of capturing 2,000 frames per second to film this scene, allowing for extreme close-ups that show every bead of sweat and subtle facial expression. Faist found this added level of intensity particularly remarkable, stating, “It added a layer of intimacy and intensity to the scene.”
Another favorite moment for Faist involves a shot where the camera follows the movement of a tennis ball during a match. This immersive technique pulls the audience into the rhythm of the game, making them feel as though they’re right on the court. The smooth camera movement combined with the suspense of the match creates a visually thrilling experience.
Josh O’Connor: A Scene of Unspoken Rivalry
Josh O’Connor’s favorite scene revolves around a quiet yet intense moment between two characters on the tennis court. In this scene, they exchange smirks from across the court, a silent communication that speaks volumes about their relationship.
O’Connor was particularly impressed by how much is conveyed without any dialogue. “This moment captures the complex dynamics of their relationship without the need for words,” he said. The framing of the shot and close-up angles accentuate the tension between the characters, reflecting the unresolved emotions and underlying rivalry that permeate their interactions.
CHALLENGERS
Zendaya’s Favorites: Sweeping Drama and Light Humor
Zendaya’s top pick is a moment from the climactic “Challenger match,” where the camera smoothly glides from Darnell, the umpire, to her character, Tashi. She praised this sweeping camera movement for adding drama and grandeur to the scene, noting, “It sets the tone for the entire film,” as it emphasizes the high stakes and fierce competition that dominate Tashi’s life.
Also, Read: Challengers (2024) Ending Explained & Themes Analysed
On a lighter note, Zendaya also pointed out a fun moment dubbed the “churro scene.” In this scene, her character is caught smiling with sugar on her face—a rare humorous and heartwarming break from the film’s intense tone. Zendaya appreciated how this scene humanizes the characters, offering a brief moment of warmth and relatability.
A Visual and Emotional Journey
Through their favorite scenes, Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor reveal the visual creativity and emotional depth at the heart of Challengers. From innovative cinematography to complex character dynamics, these moments offer a glimpse into a film that promises to be both visually stunning and emotionally resonant—perfect for fans of sports dramas and character-driven stories alike.
