Zendaya fronts Little White Lies’ Challengers issue
- Text by David Jenkins
- Illustrations by Petra Eriksson
Through a series of fraught back-channel negotiations, the Huck Digital Editor Ben Smoke has reluctantly allowed me this platform to succinctly talk to you about another fine piece of printed matter produced by Huck publishing house, TCO London. Little White Lies is a film magazine like no other, an opulent, illustrated shrine to cinema in which we celebrate what we feel to be the best movies and brightest stars. As such, we’re proud to present to you our box-fresh new issue on a new film by Luca Guadagino called Challengers, which stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist.
Now, we won’t beat around the bush in admitting that this is a very hot film, and its three leads have the kind of chemistry that’s definitely not available in high street chains. The story is set in the world of high-stakes modern tennis, but its focus is on an ever-shifting love triangle between the embittered manager (Zendaya’s Tashi), the lairy upstart (O’Connor’s Patrick) and the world-weary champ (Faist’s Art).
Inside the issue we have a juicy long-form interview with Guadagnino in which he goes into the subtle minutiae of his craft and how he transformed the boring iconography of TV tennis coverage into something dynamic and breathless. We also speak to the film’s three stars on the work they did together to achieve such nuclear-level hotness. We also had the chance to natter to screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, who lists the many inspirations for the plot, including Andrei Agassi’s GOAT autobiography, ‘Open’.
The issue is packed with lavish visuals and aims to offer a unique cross-cut of the current cinema: everything you need to see right now. The Challengers issue is available here for preorder, so please buy it and please tell your friends about it too. Thanks all, and thanks Ben.
LWLies 102: The Challengers issue is out now.
Latest on Huck
Capturing joy and resilience in Istanbul through tumultuous times
Flowers in Concrete — As protests break out across Istanbul, photographer Sıla Yalazan reflects on the 2013 Gezi Park movement, and capturing beauty as the city has undergone economic change and political tension.
Written by: Isaac Muk
A new documentary explores Japan’s radical post-war photography and arts scene
Avant-Garde Pioneers — Focusing on the likes of Daidō Moriyama, Nobuyoshi Araki, Eikoh Hosoe and many more, the film highlights the swell of creativity in the ’60s, at a time of huge economic change coupled with cultural tensions.
Written by: Isaac Muk
BODUR: “I’ve always spoken out rather than assimilating”
What Made Me — In this series, we ask artists and rebels about the about the forces and experiences that shaped who they are. Today, it’s SWANA-championing pop experimentalist BODUR.
Written by: BODUR
No one captured Greenwich Village’s heyday like Fred W. McDarrah
Pride and Protest — As the first staff photographer for the legendary Village Voice, the documentarian found himself at the heart of the Beat Generation, the Gay Liberation movement, and the AIDS pandemic. A new exhibition dives into his important archive.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Krept & Konan cover Huck’s new digital issue, focusing on our home city
The London Issue — As we gallop into a hyperconnected age, we think it’s never been more important to engage with our local surroundings. So, we’ve put together a special magazine, exclusively for our Apple News subscribers, to celebrate London and its unending vibrancy.
Written by: Isaac Muk
On the sidelines with Rise United, the football club redefining Asian identity
Football, family style — Blending creativity on and off the pitch, the London ESEA+ grassroots team is providing its burgeoning community with spaces to express, and be, themselves.
Written by: Isaac Muk