Zendaya's 'fantastic' drama available to stream for free on BBC now

Zendaya fans seeking their next viewing experience have just weeks remaining to catch an 'outstanding' film on BBC iPlayer.

The 2024 sports and romance drama, Challengers, charts the complex love triangle between an injured tennis star-turned-coach, her low-circuit tennis player ex-boyfriend and her tennis champion husband spanning 13 years. The narrative builds to a gripping match between the two men on the ATP Challenger Tour.

The picture was penned by Justin Kuritzkes and helmed by Call Me by Your Name's Luca Guadagnino. Released in 2024, it boasts an impressive 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

In the film, Euphoria star Zendaya portrays injured tennis star-turned-coach Tashi Duncan, The Crown's Josh O'Connor takes on the role of once-promising but now burnt-out tennis player Patrick Zweig, who is also Tashi's former partner, and West Side Story star Mike Faist plays Tashi's tennis champion husband Art Donaldson, who previously shared a close friendship with Patrick.

The picture has garnered widespread critical acclaim, securing four nominations including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards, and claiming Best Original Score.

Nevertheless, audiences must act swiftly to view the 'jaw-dropping' film as it remains available on BBC and BBC iPlayer for just 27 days.

One viewer said of the film: "Challengers is outstanding! It has been a while since I have seen a film this well structured and edited. The three lead actors, Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist are amazing, you truly don't view them as actors throughout the course of the film.

"It is unbelievably tense in parts and so rewarding, it requires your attention but in the best way. The direction is also absolutely on point from Luca Guadagnino, crafting scenes with pure clarity.

"The cinematography is astounding, how the tennis match's were shot, most notably the main one, was just jaw dropping. Challengers is a compelling, thrill ride, with fantastic performances and masterful direction."

A further enthusiast posted: "This is how cinema is done. Stellar film" while another individual added: "It had been a while since a movie captivated me this much. It was a tennis match, both literally and figuratively. At one point I looked to my side and saw a guy grabbing his face in shock, then noticed I was doing the same.

"And another guy a few rows ahead was literally at the edge of his seat. It felt like quite an interesting collective experience, most of us where enthralled by it."

Meanwhile, another viewer wrote: "This movie absolutely FLOORED me. The direction, the script, the music, the "acting" (I put quotations there because it felt like real life, the acting was perfect). The way the camera moves was CONSTANTLY fresh.

"One stop-motion-esque scene in particular --- but PLEASE, just go experience it for yourself. It's better than anything this year and will be bound to become an all time classic. There's nothing even remotely similar to this movie."

Challengers is available to watch on BBC and BBC iPlayer now.