By Margaret Rose Tipton Siytangco

The movie Challengers is sexy. You wouldn’t think that’s a word to describe a tennis movie but there’s nothing else that’d describe it more. It is sexy, intriguing and will make the alert amongst you laugh out loud.

Luca Guacagdino directed a superb film about relationships: a relationship between an athlete and the game, a bromance between best friends, a love triangle, a relationship between husband and wife, and a relationship with exes. He delivered a powerful movie—powerful but not heavy. With his wonderful trio cast, he makes you feel every painful and thrilling moment like you were there with them.

Zendaya grew up on the screen. We’ve always seen her as someone’s girlfriend or partner. This time, she powerfully serves it straight down the center. Her legs have always been iconic. But though they’re on prominent display (and then some) it is her eyes this time that take your breath away. Her eyes!!! There were so many moments where her eyes delivered more acting than anybody in the movie. You could see the instant moment her character Tisha’s emotions switch from anger to vulnerable hurt.

You know how Meryl Streep can deliver so many messages with a pursed lip or a downward glance? Zendaya, if I may be so bold to compare them, serves us so many emotions left, right and center with nary a blink. I am in awe of this young lady.

Mike Feist, who plays Art in this film, will twist you up inside. Is he shy? Is he vulnerable? Is he a manipulative snake? Is he the good guy? Is he the victim? Do you side with him, or do you hate him? The same goes for Josh O’Connor’s Patrick. Is he the bad guy? Is he the victim? Did his friend wrong him? Did he wrong his friend?

As you can tell, this movie raises many questions. Justin Kuritzkes has written it cleverly and brilliantly. The volley back and forth across the net, the back and forth between actors, the back and forth between timelines—it is tennis in all its forms. It’s a movie about tennis. The timeline switches are tennis. How you will feel after every scene and how fast you’ll switch tennis.

This movie communicates so much. It tells you tons without saying anything at all. Zendaya, Josh, and Mike are pros of silent communication. Zendaya’s eyes, Mike’s glances, and the wildness of his head—even Josh’s crow’s feet and cheekbones speak volumes! It may be about tennis, but it’s all about relationships—from the thrills to the cringes and back again.

You can watch Challengers, the movie which comes out on April 24, exclusively in Ayala Cinemas.