You can practically see the sparks flying off the screen in “Challengers,” the new film from director Luca Guadagnino.

With a trio of outstanding leads that have magnificent chemistry, “Challengers” is filled with sexual tension created from its talented three leads. It’s an absolute blast from start to finish – a twisty love triangle that hooks you in the opening scene and never lets up.

“Challengers” tells the story of Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), an aging tennis professional who is nearing the end of his illustrious career and trying to recapture the magic of his glory days.

Art is managed and coached by his wife Tashi (Zendaya), a former prodigy whose career was cut short due to an injury. Tashi comes up with a strategy to help Art regain confidence ahead of the U.S. Open, entering him in a challenger tournament where he is the heavy favorite.

The plan hits a snag though when Art comes face to face with a familiar face in the final – his former partner Patrick (Josh O’Conner), who is also Tashi’s former boyfriend.

As the final unfolds, “Challengers” interweaves flashbacks to show how the relationship between the three led them to this crossroads moment – with a rivalry between two former friends intensifying on and off the court.

Guadagnino is at his best when exploring complex relationships like he did in “Call Me By Your Name” and “A Bigger Splash,” so it’s no surprise he makes the most of three talented leads and a sizzling first-time screenplay from Justin Kuritzkes.

Using tennis as the backdrop is the perfect metaphor for the relationship between these three leads – as we watch them volley back and forth throughout their tension-filled entanglement. These are three fully fleshed out characters who are jockeying for control to a point that it is almost psychological warfare to determine who can survive all the games between the trio. But it’s done in a playful and coyish manner that gives “Challengers” some unexpected lightness despite the high stakes.

Zendaya absolutely owns her role as Tashi, a woman living vicariously through the success of her husband but more than just a sidekick. She’s a woman who is still bitter with how her own story veered off track and is now determined to never have that disappointment again – driven to be the best she can possibly be in the medium she has chosen.

Faist and O’Conner are very good as well, with their chemistry as fascinating with each other as it is with their female lead.

Guadagnino’s direction is razor-sharp. Whether it is some innovative tennis sequences or some sexually charged scenes in the bedroom that effectively use the less-is-more approach, this is a director playing to his strengths as a filmmaker and being at the top of his game.

It all comes together with a pulsating techno score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross that accentuates the atmosphere quite well, ramping up the sexual tension to another level.

“Challengers” knows what its audience wants and it gives it to them – but on the cast and crew’s terms. The result is a fascinating and quite entertaining experience that is an early contender for one of the best films of 2024.

— Micheal’s grade, A-

Starring: Zendaya, Mike Faist

Directed by: Luca Guadagnino

Rating: R for some sexual content, language throughout and graphic nudity

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: A-