Rob Hunter Says Don’t Forget: Borg vs. McEnroe

It’s a weird truth that for an activity that’s over 150 years old, there are fewer than 10 movies about the only damn sport I care about, tennis. There are even fewer good ones, but this year, finally, we got a truly great one. Borg vs. McEnroe shifts effortlessly between the first Wimbledon match-up between the two tennis legends and the childhoods that shaped their respective games. Borg is seen as a study in ice-cold restraint while McEnroe is considered a loud-mouthed prick, but glimpses into their younger years reveal similarities and a shared intensity. Their father issues differ, but a desire to prove people’s opinions of them wrong — to triumph while those around you are filled with doubt — fuels a drive that would eventually bring them both multiple championships. Sverrir Gudnason does terrific work as Borg, capturing both the steady exterior and inner attitude, while Shia LaBeouf succeeds beautifully at channeling an immense yet fragile ego with both honesty and compassion. Their performances are the focus, but they share the screen with smart direction and editing, gorgeous cinematography and score, and an overwhelming love for the game.