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.
You might like
On Alexander Skarsgård’s trousers, The Rehearsal, and the importance of weirdos
Freaks and Finances — In the May edition of our monthly culture newsletter, columnist Emma Garland reflects on the Swedish actor’s Cannes look, Nathan Fielder’s wild ambition, and Jafaican.
Written by: Emma Garland
Remembering Holly Woodlawn, Andy Warhol muse and trans trailblazer
Love You Madly — A new book explores the actress’s rollercoaster life and story, who helped inspire Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’.
Written by: Miss Rosen
A new documentary spotlights Ecuador’s women surfers fighting climate change
Ceibo — Co-directed by Maddie Meddings and Lucy Small, the film focuses on the work and story of Pacha Light, a wave rider who lived off-grid before reconnecting with her country’s activist heritage.
Written by: Hannah Bentley
In 1971, Pink Narcissus redefined queer eroticism
Camp classic — A new restoration of James Bidgood’s cult film is showing in US theatres this spring. We revisit its boundary pushing aesthetics, as well as its enduring legacy.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The inner-city riding club serving Newcastle’s youth
Stepney Western — Harry Lawson’s new experimental documentary sets up a Western film in the English North East, by focusing on a stables that also functions as a charity for disadvantaged young people.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The forgotten women’s football film banned in Brazil
Onda Nova — With cross-dressing footballers, lesbian sex and the dawn of women’s football, the cult movie was first released in 1983, before being censored by the country’s military dictatorship. Now restored and re-released, it’s being shown in London at this year’s BFI Flare film festival.
Written by: Jake Hall