Whenever you see Zendaya headlining for something new, you run and don’t walk. That’s exactly what The Knockturnal did, having the privilege of attending a special screening event of the movie, Challengers, starring the icon herself.
While the premiere was later in the week, The Knockturnal was able to view the movie beforehand, thanks to the event’s sponsor, Black Girls Tennis Club. The organization uses their platform to “inform, encourage, motivate, and change the usual narrative centered around sports.” They believe that “liberation through sports and play is a significant concept that can transform communities.” They achieve this by offering free tennis clinics for women of all ages, providing “tennis exhibitions, events, and activations, locally, nationally, globally” and so much more.
BGTC gave its participants the perfect movie screening experience of a lifetime. Upon entry, you are greeted by the friendliest staff who gave out free drinks, food, and movie tickets. They then direct you over to a table nearby where rows of goodie bags stood for the taking. Challenger merch that included the flyest tennis shirt and visor as well as information about the organization was found inside. After turning the corner into the lobby, you’re met with young women with bright smiles and amiable faces, mingling amongst each other.
Photographers were stationed at the Challengers’ step-and-repeat to take photos of the attendees, while videographers could be seen documenting every conversation and laugh, fully capturing the positive aura that swept through the room.
After an hour of socializing, it was time to take the escalators down into the private theater room where the movie would be screened. Before taking our seats, we grabbed the cutest boxes of popcorn decorated with BGTC’s logo and treats to snack on during the film. After getting situated, the participants were greeted by BGTC’s co-founder, Kimberly Selden, who spoke about the mission of the organization and the resources they provide.
She emphasized the intention behind her life’s work by expressing the need to make a positive impact on her community and society as a whole. After expressing her gratitude and thanks, the movie attendees were told that the doors were now closed and no one was allowed to leave from their seats. One may think that meant the movie was finally about to commence. To everyone’s surprise, however, it wasn’t. Another speech had yet to be made.
You could hear gasps of shock and excitement as the one and only, Zendaya, walked out from behind the curtains. She was dressed head to toe in a Longchamp outfit that consisted of a quarter-zip top, a striped, pleated miniskirt, and a large green scrunchie in her hair. If you know how much of a fashion icon that Zendaya is, then you know that this look was crafted by her well-known stylist, Law Roach. He, along with the rest of her entourage, stood proudly behind her, as they all waved to the beautiful crowd of black women waving back at them.
Phones and cameras were lifted in the air to capture this sweet surprise. After thanking the crowd for coming to support the movie, Zendaya asked for grace towards the characters, hinting to everyone that they may have mixed feelings, stating:
“I really hope you enjoy the movie. I know we have tennis folks in here, so I’m sorry in advance for any of the mistakes I may have made, but I did try my best, and that is all that matters. I just want to thank you so much for your time and for being here. The characters are messy and complicated. It’s a whole rollercoaster of emotion. I can’t wait to eventually hear some of your thoughts because you will have many. There will be lots of discussions over what team you’re on–team Tashi–but yes, thank you so much for your time and I’m so happy to be here with all of you. Enjoy the film!”
There were whispers from the crowd as Zendaya was speaking, expressing how beautiful she was in person and how this moment made them want to shed a tear. You could feel how humble and sweet Zendaya was throughout her speech. One could easily confirm that how she presents herself during on-camera interviews, reflects the same persona she showcases in real life. Zendaya made the moment extra special by walking down the aisle to greet everyone individually, thanking them once again for showing up. Her beauty was truly ethereal, especially up close.
The film soon began shortly after she made her exit. The crowd was still in disbelief that Zendaya graced them with her presence. Conversations of the lack of concentration to now watch the movie quickly filled the theater as everyone was still on cloud-nine of what they just had the pleasure of witnessing. They saw thee Zendaya in person and now they get to see her on screen!
First produced as a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers, is a 2024 American romantic comedy sports drama that brings the screenplay to life. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film centers on a professional tennis champion (Mike Faist) who blueprints a comeback with the assistance of his wife (Zendaya), a former tennis player prodigy who was forced to retire after an injury. Faist goes up against another player (Josh O’Connor), who happens to be his wife’s former lover as well as his ex-best friend. This movie perfectly depicts the classic trope of a love triangle and a friends-to-lovers-to-foes relationship, but in a way that you may not expect.
The film is more of a love story between two groups: Tashi and tennis and Patrick and Art, rather than the love triangle it appears to be. Unfortunately, Tashi solely loves tennis and winning, not the two men that come with it. Her relationship with them however, stems from her first true love and she uses that to her advantage. The movie does a wonderful job of showcasing the complex obsession of ambition, desire, ego, and the heights one is willing to achieve those traits. The film also perfectly demonstrates the correlation between sex and tennis. For both, anticipation is everything and Guadagnino shows this through conversation. There were many times where the characters questioned whether such conversations were about their romantic or personal relationship with each other or only about tennis.
The best outcome of the movie was the fact that any viewer could analyze the plot and its ending in so many ways. Guadagnino leaves much room for interpretation where anyone’s thoughts could be correct. BGTC’s attendees felt the different possibilities as numerous reactions filled each scene until the very end. No one knew what to predict next. After the screening, photos were taken with Seldon, who invited everyone in attendance to their very own tennis clinic happening on premier day. The Knockturnal couldn’t miss it.
The weather was perfect as the sun shined brightly on the tennis court that BGTC had reserved for the clinic. Once stepping foot on the green court, you could immediately put yourself in Tashi’s shoes. Not only was everyone in their best tennis attire, BGTC also provided the girls with tennis rackets and balls. The organization gathered their instructors to teach the participants the basis of tennis that included hand and foot placement, as well as the power and drive of one’s racket as it meets the ball. Everyone got the chance to experience life through Tashi’s eyes as the desire to make tennis a new hobby started to manifest. We know Tashi would be proud.
