Challenger

At the heart of Challenger is Luka Sanchez (played to perfection by Alban Ivanov), a character far removed from the usual canon of boxing movie heroes. Unlike the Hollywood boxers who dominate the ring, Luka is an amateur with no track record, who dreams of success but falls further behind with each crummy fight he takes part in. He embodies a modern, realistic version of the underdog: he has neither the physical power nor the discipline of his role models. Luka, however, possesses a resilience that partly compensates for his technical weaknesses, and it's here that Alban Ivanov delivers a touching performance, far removed from his usual comic register.

The construction of Luka's character, deeply endearing in his failures, reflects the image of a generation striving to exist despite limited resources. His perseverance, though sometimes laughable, awakens a certain tenderness in the viewer, who sees in Luka a form of authentic heroism, without the glitter or dazzling triumphs.

The character of Stéphanie, played by Audrey Pirault, proves to be much more than just a manager: she's the driving force behind the story. Stéphanie is feisty, determined and resourceful, and represents a sidekick but also an instigator, in constant opposition to Luka's passivity. Their relationship, sometimes complicit, sometimes antagonistic, seems to embody an “old couple” dynamic where frustration and encouragement follow one another, giving this friendship a depth rarely seen in the comedy register.

Audrey Pirault's vitality and intensity allow the character to transcend her initial role and become a central pillar of the story. Stéphanie doesn't just support Luka; she draws him into a succession of zany situations, finding absurd but effective stratagems to promote her foal. This duo works wonderfully, and their complementarity gives the film a real soul, exploring not only friendship, but also the notion of loyalty between two of life's challengers.

Challenger uses boxing not simply as a sport, but as a symbolic backdrop, a universe where the characters, like the punches, are imperfect. Through the meticulous preparation of Alban Ivanov, who trained for six months in boxing, director Varante Soudjian creates a credible, immersive experience for the audience. Luka Sanchez, with no particular talent but capable of taking punches like no one else, reflects a society where resisting is sometimes the only form of victory. The fight scenes, orchestrated by experienced choreographer Emmanuel Lanzi, are meticulously crafted to give an effect that is both funny and realistic, without ever falling into caricature.

Varante Soudjian, inspired by the Rocky saga, doesn't seek to make a carbon copy, but to draw from it a spirit of combativeness, while deconstructing the myth of the invincible hero. In this sense, the film reverses the codes by showing a protagonist who doesn't seek to defeat an adversary, but to confront his own limits. This is where Challenger becomes more than just a comedy: it offers a broader reflection on endurance and willpower, two qualities often undermined in our instantaneous society.

Far from being pure entertainment, Challenger offers an acerbic satire of our society's obsession with appearances and celebrity. Luka's quest for fragile fame underlines the superficiality of modern success, encouraged by social networks, where image takes precedence over substance. The insulting parrot, an unlikely but clever element, becomes a symbol of this society that judges quickly and without nuance, adding touches of absurd humor that enrich the narrative.

The film also criticizes the excesses of sport business, where even the humblest athlete becomes a product. Secondary characters, such as managers Jacquet and Moreno, played by Soso Maness and David Salles, add a comic layer while showing the opportunism and mediocrity of certain agents ready to do anything to profit from the efforts of others. This caustic vision is treated with a light touch, but is nonetheless a piquant reflection of the workings of success in an age where buzz has become a goal in itself.

Varante Soudjian's direction deftly oscillates between the seriousness of the boxing scenes and the light-hearted tone of the social interactions. Indeed, Varante Soudjian manages to capture the essence of a dramatic comedy, using boxing to contrast the courage of the ring with the absurdity of life. Shooting on location, including a memorable shadow boxing scene overlooking the cathedral, brings a touch of visual authenticity that serves the narrative and anchors the characters in a tangible environment, far removed from the clichés of Hollywood boxing films.

Challenger stands out as a dynamic, well-executed social comedy, underpinned by solid performances and a pertinent critical commentary. The duality between humor and reflection on modern success makes this film a mirror of our society, where perseverance is an act of heroism in itself. With a comedy that combines funny situations and touching moments, Varante Soudjian has created a work that entertains as much as it questions, making Challenger one of the French comedies not to be missed this year.

Whether you're looking for a feel-good comedy or a social satire, this film will satisfy a wide audience, proving once again Varante Soudjian's ability to marry seemingly opposing genres to create authentic and engaging stories. This film is undoubtedly our editor's favorite of the month.

Challenger
Directed by Varante Soudjian
Produced by Nora Melhi, Arthur Essebag, Yohan Baiada
Written by Varante Soudjian, Thomas Pone
With Alban Ivanov, Audrey Pirault, Soso Maness, Moussa Maaskri, David Salles, Alexandre Antonio, Jonas Dinal, Pierre-François Martin-Laval, Nordine Salhi, Nassim Benahmed, Marie Lanchas
Music: Vincent Lebègue
Director of photography: Cyril Bron
Editing: Brian Schmitt
Production companies: Les Enfants Terribles, Alef Two
Distributed by UGC Distribution (France)
Release date: October 23, 2024 (France)
Running time: 95 minutes

Seen on October 16, 2024 at UGC Ciné-cité Les Halles, room 10

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