Watch Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor Spar Over Churros in ‘Challengers’ | Anatomy of a Scene

Churros have never tasted more bitter than in this scene from “Challengers.”
In this sequence, which takes place at Stanford, the character Art (Mike Faist), who is attending the university, reconnects with his dear friend Patrick (Josh O’Connor), who has left education to become a tennis pro. Not present in the scene, yet hanging over it, is Tashi (Zendaya), the woman at the center of their complicated triangle.
At this moment, Tashi is dating Patrick, but in this scene, Art is trying to throw a wrench into the relationship. The sequence takes place at the university canteen where the two are chatting over churros. Narrating the sequence, the director Luca Guadagnino said that what is playing out is “a game of rivalry sparkling between these two young boys over Tashi, but at the same time, a jealousy that ignites the relationship also because, probably, these two guys are also jealous of one another.”
That tension is played out in the way that Guadagnino shoots the sequence, holding on a long two-shot as the friends discuss Tashi, then cutting when Patrick realizes the game of manipulation that Art is playing.
“The main guideline in thinking of this movie and the mise en scène was the classic old Hollywood screwball comedy kind of grammar,” Guadagnino said. “Those great movies were all using, in a beautiful way, the stillness of framing to let the performance breathe in all its ambiguities, in all its unspoken conflicts.”
Read the New York Times review: nyti.ms/3UAveA8
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[@Inazumavickun]

pulling the chair before he sat was a nice detail

[@13939014402]

yes, and very sensual

[@rogueryder3285]

I used to do that for my ex

[@mrsceltics]

Luca the master of sexual tension

[@ienvysnipes]

in the theatre i was like “ha”

[@stellarphase]

and the beds were pushed together before the kissing started

[@christianurena510]

the way Luca says "GAYme" kills me because it's very fitting

[@MissYaiJin19]

😂😂 true

[@a.lumpia]

The way this thought came to my mind before reading this comment-

[@karelkieslich6772]

Haha I thought it was just mee haha

[@binaryvoid0101]

He’s Italian lol

[@karelkieslich6772]

@@binaryvoid0101 yeah we’re aware, it just comes across super funny

[@caloucalai]

The chair pull?? Im obsessed

[@Psyclonus7]

how so?

[@BringBackCyParkVendingMachines]

​@@Psyclonus7 it's so intimate. That's how.

[@ericamacs3875]

Same. Also I love that Josh couldn't believe Mike would trip him up at the end lol.

[@VEGAS-NERVE]

@@Psyclonus7pls b quiet

[@jcsalazar92]

The face cleaning too.

[@tomalexander4327]

The synchronised bag lift at the end is great. Loved the homoeroticism in the whole scene.

[@mrsceltics]

Churro is the new peach

[@sweetnlo13]

I noticed that a lot in this movie, the synchronization of Art and Patrick. Mirrored images, like they're the same but written in different fonts.

[@tiwiogunye]

@@mrsceltics Lmao

[@sezzyridge]

@@sweetnlo13they were doubles. the entire film was a tennis match. the sharp volleying (cuts back and forth) between characters in scenes showed. the entire film WAS the tennis match. it had you at the edge of your seat.

[@Hedgpig]

I think it can only be called bi-eroticism

[@chimdi]

the EYE contact when they're both chewing, this movie was everything

[@leoribeirop]

SAY IT

[@lauradelgado9875]

The chemistry and the acting is insanely amazing

[@selalewis9189]

It’s the inverse Bechtel test 😀Two men talking about nothing else but a woman 😊

[@aliceh6978]

and the woman talking about nothing else but tennis 😂

[@le2458]

Exactly my thought!!

[@LucasDarkGiygas]

except that it also probably doesn't the real Bechdel Test since Tashi is basically the only female character in the film

[@huangchasel1955]

that's why it's inverse 😂

[@Jake-hc1up]

@@LucasDarkGiygasI mean..there’s only really those three characters in the film anyway. That’s why the test itself is flawed. Generally speaking this film is largely just these three people with a bunch of background nobodies

[@guillermoporras3754]

Luca is a master in building tension between characters, such a hot scene.

[@o.m9514]

“Tennis is a relationship”. She wanted them to be in a relationship.

[@angxlpeach]

Literally, and I think thats sort of what is implied in the ending.

[@EmmaGrei]

I mean she literally said to them “I don’t wanna be a homewrecker” implying they were already a couple

[@teensytam]

“you’re not here to visit me?” and “i don’t matter?” are the same

[@fi8urefilms959]

The cinnamon sugar on O’Connor’s face was a nice touch

[@jackierosas9593]

He even had it in his hair 😂😂

[@kingvampstan]

1:58 THE LITTLE LOOK AT HIS LIPS?? OMG

[@nymphicide]

STOPPP i keep coming back to this video to see if i can catch more details and this just fed my obsession even more

[@pplucker9486]

Omg

[@polypeptide]

I love the crunch sound every time they bite into their churros haha

[@volumemaximum]

ASMR

[@phillipbates9587]

Is humor in there

[@MichaelAury]

The on screen chemistry between these two was positively electric, not just in the acting but also in the compatibility of their energy and disposition, two actors completely in sync for the craft they're trying to execute

[@Gpob89]

This movie blew me away - the theater was going nuts at the end! Can’t wait to see it again!

[@christinebrooks8901]

Same in my theatre! One of those awesome collective cinema audience movies! 10/10 for me!

[@anacruz2077]

luckyyy my screening had like 15-20 people and only laughed a bit

[@sagekennedy1214]

same omg... and there was hardly a man in the audience lol

[@anacruz2077]

@@sagekennedy1214 lmao there was a couple who sat next to me and the guy locked in during the last minutes of the movie

[@burpie3258]

same!

[@Lisa-fk2mb]

this scene and the sauna scene are absolute perfection

[@daikijack8707]

OMG, there's a sauna scene!

[@paolasosa7118]

True

[@Ky_Thomas9]

@@daikijack8707yes

[@YorgosL1]

nah that dorm scene with zendaya pheww

[@misteryemisterye]

"I dont miss playing with you... I'm too old for it" And they're not talking about tennis

[@TheFlowMind]

They seemed pretty interested in each other than in her…

[@MissPerriwinkle]

can u blame them? look at her.

[@stormtraitor6545]

That was kinda my takeaway from the movie…

[@BringBackCyParkVendingMachines]

​@@MissPerriwinklereread that comment again

[@ann-kathrinfischer6763]

they were and she wasn't very interested in them. She was interested in tennis. She just used them to fulfill her own dreams basically.

[@sailormoon8922]

this is so true tashi was not in love with any of them she was just a user ​@@ann-kathrinfischer6763

[@naomm8832]

luca guadagnino directing a tennis movie was the best thing to ever happen

[@tiwiogunye]

I'm so obsessed with Luca's directing style

[@prestonjustice]

Ditto! I also loved "Call me by your name" and am convinced I need to watch everything he has ever worked on~

[@debbiejane711]

Josh O'Connor's face and eyes/eye lashes, the whole thing is very adorable.

[@p4uli30]

I love his eyes

[@oliverlieberman]

“And at the same time wanting one another” 👀👀👀👀 say no more all is heard

[@dellumyfilms]

My heart when they were both on screen. The chemistry between these two are out of this world ❤

[@claire-fox]

I literally saw this movie two days in a row and I’m foaming at the mouth to go see it a third time. I am so obsessed with this movie. Absolute masterpiece, Mr. Guadagnino. Thank you so much for blessing us with this film.

[@polypeptide]

I’ve gone four times now! Didn’t expect to get so obsessed with this movie.

[@claire-fox]

@@polypeptide god I wish that was me lmao I haven’t gotten my third watch yet 😫 hopefully this weekend 🤞

[@Mari4Mari4]

This scene lives rent free in my mind.

[@starinthem]

how much more obvious can it be? They were EATING EACH OTHER'S CHURROS

[@rogueryder3285]

Is it weird I shipped them more than I did one of them with Tashi? She did say she's not a homewrecker

[@AG.anon1]

the movie is meant to imply that they're a throuple at the end because they're all very linked and co-dependant to one another, but thats just my interpretation

[@joannaxuan4265]

They are also incredibly dependent on Tashi to some degree, they both love her and need her. As Zendaya says, " codependency, the movie"

[@belhougoldenwind]

@@AG.anon1 yes, SPOILER she seems happy with the way the match turned out, so at the end it wasn't about who was winning but more about rekindling with each other

[@AG.anon1]

@@belhougoldenwind exactly, it was mirroring the threesome scene (them all enjoying themselves)

[@rogueryder3285]

@@AG.anon1 and you're interpretation is so right, even though could still feel those vibes. I mean, it's obvious they're both in love with her. Patrick brings in that complicated toxic love vibe that you just can't live without and Art gives out the "I Knew It Was You the Moment I First Saw You, And Want To Give You Everything" kind of vibe. The only thing Tashi gave out was conflicting vibes, or denial. But she was certain about their unity towards one another since their talk on the beach. She caught onto that real quick. That's why she said she wasn't a homewrecker. But her determination with tennis and how they felt about it was on point

[@Urumi89]

Interesting that any scenes with the two exude passion and love for each other while the ones with Tashi are just cold. The one with Art and Tashi in the hotel was just depressing, this poor guy is desperate for the love of his wife and she's just cold.

[@demacto13]

Oof Luca’s vision and intention has always been impeccable in every shot and this short sequence is such a tease for the audience 😮‍💨

[@mindtheprivacy]

The shots of all these gorgeous people were incredible.

[@RogerMusic]

hit em up style playing in the background. I love the way Luca uses music as silent dialogue.

[@VEGAS-NERVE]

When he pulled the stool in closer I gasped

[@KeliK1]

The tackle at the end 😅

[@keimat4470]

Lmao Josh said that trip up wasn’t scripted 😂 and he felt genuinely hurt that Mike would do that to him

[@robertashaffer3950]

Saw the movie today. The 3 of them are fantastic! So well done!

[@sinfulwolf7571]

They are in love they just don’t know

[@chance1774]

patrick knows; art, not so much

[@TheNinjapancake14]

I would buy a DVD with the directors commentary

[@leiloca96]

i love this sort of breakdown with the director explaining the thoughts and decisions that went into making the scene, it's so interesting to learn about the creative process behind it. thank you for this!! i wish there was more of these (i want to see a breakdown of the whole movie from luca haha incredible director, one of my favorites)

[@blushycloud]

Mike Faist is so fine. They're both fine.

[@KarinaCole-oq9yp]

love these!!!! more luca more! 😍😍😍😍

[@danielbarrero2815]

amazing direction!

[@rarehearts2602]

The fact this scene was completely improvised, Mike and Josh are awesome lol

[@Zephirite.]

Where did you hear it was improvised? It sounds like Guadagnino had the shots planned out…

[@Oltahos]

@@Zephirite. They said in another interview that Patrick stealing Art churro and Art biting into it was improvise. The rest of the scene was plan.

[@Zephirite.]

@@Oltahos I found the interview! That’s amazing…

[@miroticfashion]

Omg stop that was my fave part of this scene!!! Amazing acting

[@keimat4470]

@@Oltahosno they said the biting churros scene was Luca’s idea. The trip at the end was improvised by Mike.

[@rikerich1769]

The best scene of the movie 🙌

[@tamarakarlas1]

Mike Faist I wasn’t familiar with your game

[@ashleybrantley17]

I loved this scene so much

[@belomettinavyy1068]

I could listen to Luca Guadagnino explaning all day. I adore him

[@tiwiogunye]

I love him so much

[@Az-ks9ii]

Just brilliant!

[@sori6447]

I love this scene ❤ perfect chemistry

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Loved this scene in the theatre, what two fantastic actors, it was so ridiculously hilarious this scene yet so in character with them and I just watched grinning at the teasing rivalry/bromance they had going on

[@1b0y4me]

Luca the man you are 😭😭 This movie was absolutely everything. Art, Patrick and Tashi all had amazing chemistry and it was very clear to me by the end of the movie that they all need eachother.

[@JamesKingsbury-ft9kx]

This movie is an absolutely brilliant allegory for the battle between the light and the dark within each man and the psychological power that his lover/partner has in influencing the outcome of this contest. It also has something to say about integration and balance and what the ideal of masculinity should be. Nothing in this movie is just what it seems to be. Everything here--food, clothing, hair color, body language and movement, etc.--is a symbol for something else.

[@aidagholampour100]

How about cheating?!I didn’t understand the end of movie, what happens after two guys becom friends again ?

[@Harry-fk5of]

@@aidagholampour100 I think they leave it open-ended deliberately because I assume they're going to all depend on each other in different ways for the rest of their lives. That's my interpretation of the ending. They are co-dependent on each other. That's how they started and that's how they'll probably always be, complicated.

[@TVChild3]

Luca’s accent is sending me. I love it 😍

[@slaa.1480]

This scene was spectacular.

[@Ady.B]

I enjoyed their chemistry throughout the film

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

The tension

[@mrsceltics]

Why can't I stop watching this? Can't be just me lmao.

[@paolasosa7118]

This is addictive in a way is hard to understand

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Can't wait for the officially clips to come out because I strangely love this scene, their rivalry bromance is so fascinating to watch, and the scene has such fantastic detail to its direction and performances

[@brodyh98]

this scene is so important to me

[@michelledoesstuff]

I love this scene so much.

[@bestwei3460]

this scene is masterpiece❤

[@nancyvillines4552]

I enjoyed that little synopsis. I of course discovered Josh O'Connor when watching the Crown. Very versatile actor. I've become very interested in British actors ever since I watched it. Some I already knew of. Some I didn't. As I said, very interesting. 😊 Thank you ☺️

[@trcolavi]

Watch him in God’s Own Country!

[@nancyvillines4552]

@@trcolavi thanks. I will.

​@@trcolavi he's absolutely wonderful in this movie

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

what do u mean you 'became' interested in British actors ever since. I assure you that in Hollywood you've probably seen many British actors acting as Americans, some of the most-praised actors are British, they're not rare or something

[@nancyvillines4552]

@@GuineaPigEveryday you want to try that again in a less condescending way?

[@saku.544]

discovered Josh O'Connor with this movie and he is so so incredible. I got a new celeb crush now lmfao he's so charming and adorable in interviews, so unlike the character he plays.

[@wisco9er536]

Oh man u should watch Only You or La Chimera when u can. Hes incredible

[@girlonfire2.076]

I first saw him in the Darrell's it's a t.v show he was really good in that

[@danilofernandes8400]

great detail

[@joaneugenio9158]

luca rlly ate w this one...

[@allie7644]

My favorite scene

[@Kevlinosaurous]

The best scene in the film. So happy to hear some director commentary.

[@Paul20661]

Loved the film

[@susangreco6868]

Art tripped Patrick at the end!

[@anapaulinarendonclemente2615]

brilliant

[@falsealarm4]

Luca is a genius

[@breh9243]

Good scene

[@iatenailsforbreakfast8209]

IM FUJOSHING OUT!!!!!

[@CJ-simeonxsick]

Real asf

[@rowllan1]

yes, completely, 100% agree..

[@janekihm5119]

Gr8 scene! Fun movie!!

[@janetDT1904]

This is one of my favourite scenes ❤ I love the rivalry mixed with a brotherhood here. I like the way both guys move as one person.

[@maria-wc9dn]

calling the bond between these two twinks "brotherhood" is CRAZY

[@gummyfang]

i think your definition of "brotherhood" may involve more sexual attraction than mine or else this comment is wild lol

[@VEGAS-NERVE]

Girl… this is more than just a bromance

[@crawdars1553]

THE WAY PATRICK LOOKS AT ART

[@DG-2323]

I saw someone on TikTok refer to both of these actors as mice forced to become men and now I can't unsee it.

[@ekdud2772]

The trip at the end always gets me

[@gd-rm5729]

Love their chemistry

[@15iannava]

Their chemistry is through the roof it hurts

[@margaritakmp]

cannot overstate how badly i wanted art to lick the sugar off patrick's cheek

[@lucianaparedes1980]

wonderfull

[@VYZD846]

Please let there be a spinoff with only these two 😩

[@Nopaleeto]

This made me feel things ..

[@hongquiao]

"...A GAAYYYYME of rivalry" 😂 (please don't be mad, I loved the film!)

[@Elena-tp9pm]

What a beautiful scene, so well explained. Can't wait to watch this movie. Grande Luca Guadagnino ❤

[@lifevisions9338]

I love them both. Zendaya too. This movie so plays and kills.

[@Jiwwww]

The trip!

[@user-yo3vx1ri1o]

0:49 This is my favorite scene… omg 😳

[@allwinamv]

Luca siempre es un maestro

[@Bill.R.124]

Like watching a ballet. Lovely filmmaking.

[@gui462]

yall have no idea of how obsessed i am

[@2miguelmalpica]

that's the anatomy of a scene! it was a just a description.

[@clarity1984]

Ok, let's talk about that smoldering look in the thumbnail, tho 🔥

[@AQueerLook]

My hero ❤

[@thegroke1667]

does anyone else think that mike faist sounds a bit like young matt damon?? Btw great comentary

[@MikhailJ]

I did not know what the movie is about, but now I'm planning on watching it once I'm done with exams

[@coldnoodllss]

I identify as a churro now

[@benjaminroman916]

If you enjoyed Josh in this scene you will LOVE him in God's Own Country. He goes all the way there 😉

[@reg8759]

THE VIDEOS ONLY TWO MINUTES LONG ARE YOU KIDDING

[@AGoldenPolaroid]

Luca doesn't miss.

[@michyiels]

this scene was hottest than the sauna scene, and nobody can tell me otherwise

[@raphaelkamau6060]

I wonder if actors get full when they have to take many takes of such a scene

[@Varekai0723]

They generally just chew the food and spit it out when they yell "cut". Sometimes they have to swallow the food if it's a long take.