“The Challengers” ★★★★☆ presents a vivacious and enticing tale of tennis, starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, under the direction of Luca Guadagnino. The film, with a runtime of 131 minutes, showcases O’Connor and Faist as opponent tennis pros, their rivalry sparked by shared affection for Zendaya’s character, who is now training Faist. The tennis scenes provide riveting suspense, underpinned by a continuous vibe of restrained sexuality, making for an utterly enjoyable cinematic piece.
Pat Collins directs the beautifully heartfelt adaptation of John McGahern’s last novel, “That They May Face the Rising Sun” ★★★★★, spanning a modestly eventful year in isolated Ireland. Barry Ward and Anna Bederke portray a couple navigating life changes in this pastoral milieu, revealing both the tranquillity and the heartache. The narrative, skilfully written by Collins and Eamon Little, paints a picture of provincial life that manages to pose profound questions about our understanding of happiness.
The untimely passing of Greta Price-Martin, a cyclist who will be remembered fondly by all those close to her, has resulted in an outpouring of tributes, following a tragic incident in Dún Laoghaire.
Finally, “In the Land of Saints and Sinners” ★★★☆☆ is a Netflix feature directed by Robert Lorenz, with a duration of 106 minutes. The cast includes notable names such as Liam Neeson and Ciarán Hinds and is sure to captivate viewers. This noteworthy cinematic compilation indeed offers a broad spectrum of emotional and captivating storylines.
Contained within this good-looking thriller wrapped in a Donegal guise, lies a desirable old western longing to penetrate its borders. The appeal of old time sharpshooters like Neeson and Hinds discussing Fyodor Dostoevsky in a solitary cowboy town is undeniable. Yet, who would pass the opportunity to witness a time-honoured barroom brawl? Unfortunately, the intrusion of the real world awkwardly conflicts with the film’s desired legend status. Despite the plot’s tangled take on her seemingly misplaced southern accent, Condon takes pleasure in playing the reprisal-seeking IRA fury. Graceful drone shots contribute lasting visuals to an otherwise easily forgettable action film.
Cowperthwaite’s direction shines in ISS, a tense, succinct science fiction rated ★★★☆☆, featuring Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, Pilou Asbæk, John Gallagher Jr, Masha Mashkova, and Costa Ronin. Playing for 100 minutes with a 15A certification in general release, it could, arguably, benefit from deeper character development. DeBose assumes the role of one of six researchers, comprising three Americans and three Russians based on the International Space Station amidst worldly strain. The realisation of the worst fears follows a covert communique to the American team declaring a nuclear outbreak, requiring the Americans to ensure the protection of the vessel “at all costs”. DeBose’s inherent charm and impressive stature are used to their full potential. Worth checking out.