#op if u think that was a lengthy ask wait till you see the reply

[coldblooded-angel]

Heeeeey 👋🏽 I heard you wanted to talk about Challengers and I'm here to answer the call so here I goooo

One thing I adore about the movie is that this is truly a love triangle where all parties have incredible tension with each other. With Patrick and Tashi, it's already set up as a rivalry with how he's shocked she isn't going pro and choosing college instead. Meanwhile, imho, Art represents the "safe choice" for both Tashi and Patrick since we see how he tends to follow their leads. Patrick wants to check out the girls' tennis, he wants to go to the party afterwards, and he actively pursues Tashi with Art not being as open or loud compared to his bestie.

But then we see that while Tashi is okay with not being a homewrecker, as her career and love for the game come 1st, we see that Art is jealous of PatrickTashi relationship but he is more focused on Patrick (mentioning that Patrick's still together with Tashi, most of their tension isn't actually centered around Tashi but b/n Patrick and Art)

I'd say more but then this ask would be hella long lol. I do wonder how many almost kisses the boys might've had pre-Tashi and if they ever wondered what could've been if they hadn't gone for the same girl/Patrick choosing Tashi post almost threesome in the hotel room.

NEVER EVER ! APOLOGIZE FOR A LENGTHY ASK EVER !!!

I too am an avid fan of the biblically accurate love triangle. It is one of the best parts (and the literal backbone) of this movie. Like for me, this movie only works because of how strong each point of the triangle is (in relation to their tensions w one another)

I do love the idea that our baby Art is the “safe choice” but mostly because he is the most compliant only to a degree tho cuz we see that kitty’s got claws the instant he picks up he’s being left out. I think Art as safety net only exists as long as he is part of the equation in the first place.

I don’t necessarily think Tashi is a homewrecker but I think she was the first person to ever be perceived as a “threat” to the ArtPatrick relationship. Because prior to this, Patrick is so blasé about other girls so Art doesn’t care, until he does then he has to compete with tennis AND Tashi for Patrick’s attention.

Also, I like to think their compliance goes both ways because Patrick brings up Tashi to Art, he offers her as a choice and waits for Art to decide. They both implicitly ask each other for permission (only Patrick is much louder and therefore more obvious).

I think in a way Tashi was necessary. Neither of them were willing to make the first move with each other both blind as fuck and probably scared to lose their friendship but Tashi clocked that shit immediately. In a way she gave them permission to just forget everything and just be, they somehow felt safe with her (which is wild cuz THEY JUST MET???)

I am in between the idea that they either have had one kiss (during the first time they jerk off or after) or hook up on the reg to let off some steam and have a sort of understanding that feelings cannot be involved (they are theyre very dumb)