Luca Guadagnino’s greatest skill, however, is his keen eye for choosing his squad. Just as it made the world pay attention to Timothée Chalamet in “Call Me By Your Name,” “Rivals” puts the spotlight on three young actors who represent, in many ways, the future of Hollywood.
Brit Josh O’Connor flexed his dramatic muscles on shows like “Peaky Blinders” and “Ripper Street” before taking on the role of Prince Charles in two seasons of “The Crown.” American Mike Faist gained prominence on stage with the musical “Dear Evan Hansen” before showing spectacular work in Steven Spielberg’s version of “Amor, Sublime Amor”.
In “Rivals”, however, both orbit the powerful gravitational center of the planet Zendaya. It’s not for anyone. At 27 years old, she ranks as the most complete artist of her generation. Not only as an actress, but also as a personality, activist, fashionista, businesswoman and influencer. No matter the stage, it’s impossible to take your eyes off her. It’s impossible not to pay attention to what she has to say.
Revealed as a star in Disney programs, Zendaya made her film debut in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and took control of her TV career with the series “Euphoria”. His magnetism, intense both in independent productions (“Malcolm & Marie”) and in blockbusters (“Dune”), gains its most vibrant stage in “Rivals”.
Especially because Tashi, a player whose future on the court was interrupted by an injury, her determination realigned as her husband’s coach, is a character who refuses to be placed in boxes. She can be manipulative and sweet, she sets limits and has no shame in breaking them. Her decisions are absolutely questionable, and yet here we are, totally surrendered.
