A sports drama brimming with tension and intrigue, hailed as ‘ridiculously good’, is set to air on BBC1 tonight.

Premiered last year, Challengers features Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, Josh O’Connor as Patrick Zweig, and Mike Faist as Art Donaldson. The plot revolves around the complex love triangle involving former tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), her champion husband Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and his ex-best friend and Tashi’s former flame, Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor).

This tangled web unfolds over 13 years, from their adolescent encounter to a pivotal Challenger match where Art must confront Patrick, reigniting old rivalries and passions under Tashi’s rigorous coaching. The film delves into themes of power, obsession, and control through the lens of tennis and romance.

Since its release in 2024, the film has captivated audiences, with rave reviews pouring in for the intense love triangle and its cinematography.

One viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “You guys, it was such a thrilling, nail biting and exciting movie. I haven’t watched anything like this for a hot minute. The movie is about two bffs (Art and Patrick) and a girl Tashi who got between them both, a good old love triangle, oh yeah. And all of this drama is happening alongside the tennis game, yup, all of them like to hit a ball with the racket. Beside directing, cast acting and visuals I really enjoyed the soundtrack, I’m telling you it was so fitting! Really enjoyed this movie!”, reports the Mirror.

Another fan said: “Sweaty tennis movie with a techno score. I thought a lot of the filmmaking was really creative. And great acting all around.

“The three actors felt beautifully balanced — everyone contributed a ton of pull, which actually made the triangle work. Kudos.

“I went into Challengers with some hesitation (love triangles usually aren’t my thing), but wow-I get why this one kept getting shoved onto my radar,” another viewer said.

They added: “The chemistry between the three leads is ridiculously good, like sparks-flying-off-the-screen good, and the acting across the board is top-tier. Zendaya, in particular, delivers what I think is her best performance yet-commanding, vulnerable, and magnetic all at once.

“The film hops back and forth in time, but instead of feeling disjointed, it creates this really satisfying rhythm: part light, part heavy, never tipping too far either way. And the tennis scenes? Shockingly intense.

“They’re shot with such energy that you feel every rally like it’s life or death. It’s part sports drama, part romance, but somehow the mix works better than it has any right to. Didn’t expect to like it, ended up loving it.”

A further fan said: “Challengers delivers one of the most iconic and unforgettable climaxes to hit theaters this year – a scene that sticks with you for its sheer intensity and creativity. The film perfectly blends tension, sensuality, and drama into a story that leaves no one indifferent.

“The pacing is dynamic, with each scene carefully crafted to lead up to that stunning finale. The performances are powerful, and the direction shows impressive confidence in tackling such an emotionally charged subject. It’s a movie that deserves to be experienced on the big screen to fully appreciate its narrative depth and impeccable aesthetic.”

Challengers airs on BBC1 10.40pm on Monday 22 December.