Challengers parents guide: Is Zendaya's new sports movie "game on" for the whole family?

Parents may not want to accept the challenge of taking their kids to see Challengers. This R-rated relationship drama is anything but a rom-com. Starring Zendaya (Dune 2), Josh O'Connor (The Crown), and Mike Faist (The Bikeriders) as tennis players Tashi Duncan, Patrick Zweig, and Art Donaldson, the film is directed by Luca Guadagnino, who was also the director behind Bones and All and Call Me By Your Name.

Challengers follows the tennis-playing trio, who knew each other when they were younger and were involved in an unconventional relationship. As Donaldson plans a career comeback with the help of his now-wife Tashi Duncan, he competes against Zweig to see who will come out on top.

Sounds like the film may head into some dangerous territory. So, this means you may be wondering if this is safe for kids to see? Read on below to find out our breakdown of the age rating.

Challengers Parents Guide: Explaining The R Age Rating

Here, you'll find more infor on how we are breaking down the R-rating for Challengers. According to the MPAA, this film is "Rated R for for language throughout, some sexual content and graphic nudity." 

Sex & Nudity: The movie is pretty steamy and the main storyline revolves around the three lead characters in a love triangle (a ménage à trois). There are sex scenes as well as full and partial nudity. However, the graphic nudity doesn't refer to the sexual content -- it alludes to a scene in an all-male locker room involving full-frontal male nudity. So sexuality and full frontal nudity, but not at the same time.

Violence: You can visibly see and hear one of the lead characters' knee get injured during a tennis match. You'll see characters slap and push each other around.

Language: Brace yourself for some tough language in this film including the "f" word, a character calling someone a "bitch," references to genitalia and sexual intercourse, etc. If you've seen a tennis match, you might know what to expect.

Drinking & Drugs: You'll see some underage drinking and smoking in this film. The lead characters are in high school in the beginning of the film.

Overall Verdict: What Age Is Challengers Appropriate For?

Let your older kids see this one, but it is a definite no-go for children and early teens -- even if they're fans of Zendaya. The R rating is given due to the sexual nature of the film, which means it will appeal more to adults. Challengers is definitely made for 17-year-olds and up who can deal with the taboo topics in the film.