17 Twinkly Ways to Light Up Your Home With Christmas Fairy Lights

Grace Lee
Nov 21, 2016

Fairy lights aren’t just for the holidays: Whether they’re lighting up your Christmas tree, wedding or dorm rooms, these lights are a practical way to add a little twinkle. Since these decorative accents can do virtually no wrong, spruce up your space this holiday season with these modern luminaries. They’re so versatile, you’ll want to keep them on display long after the holiday season ends. Scroll on for more creative ideas on how to rock these shimmering twinkle lights!

1. Cloud Light: This fluffy cloud light is just what the doctor ordered for a gloomy winter day. Keep those *actual* stormy vibes away with this cheery cloud light you can DIY using fairy lights! (via Frenchy Fancy)

2. DIY Letter Marquee: Whether you plan on gifting it or keeping it for yourself, this marquee light is *the* DIY to make and show off all year round. To make, you’ll need some cardboard, fairy lights, scissors, tape and a power drill. (via Look What I Made)

3. DIY Twinkly Wall Christmas Tree: No worries if your small space can’t fit an actual Christmas tree. Opt for a twinkly fairy lights version instead! The tutorial calls for Command strips for easy appliance and just as easy removal. (via Tara Dennis)

4. DIY Autumn Leaf Fairy Lights: Light up your staircase or mantel with these bright autumn leaf lights. They’re festive enough to spruce up the home for the holidays but generic enough to keep up after the season ends. (via Wallflower Kitchen)

5. DIY Twinkle Light Canvas: If you’ve always wanted to try putting together a twinkle light canvas, you’re in luck. The how-to is so simple and the results so lovely, you’ll be wishing you tried it sooner! (via A Pumpkin and a Princess)

6. DIY Wood Veneer Paper Chain: Use wood veneer to create a paper chain, then add fairy lights to turn it into a modern garland. Display it on your mantel, across your doorway or from the stair rails for a charming holiday accent. (via 4 Men 1 Lady)

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7. Photo Display: Mini clothespins are all you need to turn ordinary fairy lights into a pretty and practical photo display. Use Command strips or tacks to weave your lights back and forth across the designated wall space.

8. Glitter Fairy Christmas Lights Canvas: Brighten up your home with another take on the fairy lights canvas but with a touch of glam. Coat a canvas frame with glue and a generous dose of gold glitter to achieve this look. (via Noted List / Feel It Cool)

9. Urban Outfitters Extra-Long Firefly String Lights ($98): As pretty as they may be hung around the room, fairy lights are just as lovely when turned into statement wall art. Create whatever shape you want, display words in a pretty cursive font or recreate this intricate pyramid.

10. World Market Mason Jar Firefly 10 Bulb Battery Operated String Lights ($25): Turn any patio into a welcoming holiday hangout space with these battery-operated mason jar fairy lights. Though sold out online, these guys may still be available in a store near you!

11. Headboard Decor: Frame your headboard with a string of fairy lights to give your bedroom a warm and inviting glow. It’s the perfect finishing cozy accent to an already Christmas-inspired space.

12. Birdcage Lights: Turn your next visit to the flea market into a hunt for the perfect birdcage. Spray it down with a coat of fresh paint, let dry and add fairy lights for a delightfully whimsical accent. (via I Love My Apartment)

13. Christmas Star: Whether you buy or DIY a wooden Christmas star, make sure to wrap it with a string of lights. You’ll be left with the *perfect* centerpiece for your mantel display. (via Sheer Luxe)

14. Bed Curtain Lights: Combine fairy lights with bed curtains for a Tumblr-worthy scene. Opt for a sheer fabric or even a printed tapestry to create your own dreamscape. (via Decozilla)

15. Lights & Decor Mason Jar Fairy Lights ($95, set of 12): Light up your driveway this holiday season with twinkling lights encased in mason jars. Simple but elegant, these luminaries are battery-operated so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of outlets and plugs.

16. Restoration Hardware Gold Smoke Glass Hurricane ($51+): Illuminate your home with a shimmering golden glow when you add fairy lights to these sleek glass hurricanes. Display alone or in a group to play up the *whimsical* decor.

17. Modish Roost Twinkling Willow Wall Lights ($94): Autumn may have stolen the leaves from the trees but that’s no excuse for having unsightly bare branches. So make sure to brighten up your wall this holiday with this whimsical “Willow Wall” made of twinkling lights.

Which of these decor ideas would you love to try? Follow us on Pinterest for more creative ways to deck the halls!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

14 Dreamy Candelabras That Illuminate Your Space In Style

Though they existed long before electricity, candelabras have been so stylishly adapted for modern times. They’re the *perfect* accent piece to decorate to your living room or bedroom with – especially this time of year – because when lit, candelabras provide bouts of warm, cozy light. We’re thankful that we don’t have to solely rely on candlelight to get around the house at night, but we’ll still strike a match to some taper candles and immerse ourselves in the comforting feels as we whip up some comfort food and switch on our favorite TV shows. These 14 enchanting candelabras will help you do the same as we settle into late fall and winter.

Ditmer Denmark Art Piece Candleholder

This organically-shaped candelabra, crafted from stone resin, is durable enough to last years ​in your home. The form recalls that of a tree trunk, so if your aesthetic is rooted in nature, bring the outdoors in with this pick. ​

CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Gold Candlestick Holders

This more modern take on candelabras holds three flames, supplying enough ambience to be a graceful centerpiece for your next dinner party.

Erin Fetherston Dulcette Candelabra

Whether you style it on its own or alongside a fresh bouquet of flowers, this design will make for an excellent addition to your place's entryway or your bedroom dresser.

Bloomingville Deeb Aluminium Candle Holder

This candelabra leans on the side of utilitarian with its bold structure and contrasting black hue. Even if you can't see yourself displaying it year-round, it'd be a pretty epic Halloween decor piece!

House Doctor Doctor Tristy Brass Candle Stand

We're obsessed with the criss-cross nature of this candle holder. Brass is a considerably versatile material, so you can rotate it from room to room as the seasons change.

Novica Recycled Metal Candelabra Margarita Temple

Color lovers, there are definitely some candelabras out there for you. This handcrafted design hails from Peru and boasts plenty of vibrant florals. Even without candlesticks, it's an art piece in itself!

Wyn Cream Candelabra

Make sure your cozy nights in are illuminated by the warm glow that candelabras can provide. This squiggly design also infuses your space with a good touch of playfulness! Place two different colored candles in the holes for even more joy.

Sommer Triton Candleholder

The unpolished look on this holder achieves a very homey vibe. The trio of arms are fitted for these Celebration Candles, but you could also put some plant clippings or flower stems in them when you don't want to deal with dripping wax.

CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Contemporary Metal Candle Holder Gold

This candelabra flaunts an extended length, so if you have a long dinner table, it'd be a wonderful centerpiece. Complete your suppertime tablescape with fun glassware and fresh flowers.

Hand-Forged Black Metal Taper Candle Holder Centerpiece by Jake Arnold

This lively pick provides an eye-catching loop graphic that will work well for any season.

The Latch Key Ibis Candelabra

Perhaps one of the most unique candelabras out there, this option comes in three different shades so you can find the one that's right for your space. It *also* comes with a hand-dipped candlestick so you're all set to light it up in one step!

Gold 5-Arm Metal Candelabra Taper Candle Holder

We could see this golden, weaving candelabra being perfectly adorned by poinsettias and tinsel during Christmastime.

Lovebirds Black Metal Candelabra by Lucia Eames

This design totally makes a statement on its own. If you share your space with a partner or spouse, pay homage to your togetherness with this lovey-dovey candelabra!

CB2 Cinq Large White Multi Taper Candle Holder

Highly sculptural, this candle holder holds up to 9 whole candlesticks! Make it the star of your dining set-up or coffee table spread.

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via The Latch Key.

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Blue Ivy Will Join Beyoncé In "Mufasa: The Lion King"

The Lion King is one of the most beloved Disney movies — like, of all time — which means that its fans are VERY protective of it. Everyone was a little apprehensive about the live-action remake, but whether you loved it or hated it, one thing's for sure: the cast knocked it out of the park. Mufasa: The Lion King brings back all your favorites (including Beyoncé, Donald Glover, and James Earl Jones, no biggie) but we'll also see (er, hear) Beyoncé's daughterBlue Ivy Carter! Here's everything we know about the new Disney movie.

What will Mufasa: The Lion King be about?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

I don't know a single '90s kid who doesn't LOVE the character of Mufasa, and Mufasa: The Lion King is all about the future king's coming-of-age story. Rafiki tells Kiara (Simba and Nala's daughter) the story of how Mufasa began his journey as an orphaned cub — and how everything changes when he meets Taka, the heir to the royal bloodline.

When is Mufasa: The Lion King coming out?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Mufasa: The Lion King will hit theaters December 20, 2024. I don't know about you, but the holidays are ALWAYS a good time for a Disney movie. I will be seated.

Is Beyoncé in Mufasa: The Lion King?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Yes, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter returns to Mufasa: The Lion King as Nala, as well as Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, and we'll also see Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara!! I'm super excited that Blue Ivy is in this new Disney movie because it makes it even more of a family affair. Any movie that includes an IRL parent and child in the cast automatically pulls at my heartstrings!

Mufasa also stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother Eshe, Lennie James as Taka’s father Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother Afia, and Keith David as Mufasa’s father Masego.

Why does Scar hate Mufasa so much?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Scar is Mufasa's little brother, and throughout their lives, Scar's secretly desired to overthrow Mufasa and take the throne for himself. His hatred for Mufasa and his family is intensified when Simba is born, making Simba next in line for the throne instead of Scar himself.

The story takes heavy inspiration from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, as well as some inspo from the stories of Moses and Joseph in the Bible.

How many Oscars did Lion King win?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

The original Lion King won two Oscars in 1995 for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, and its music also ~scored~ some Golden Globes, Grammys, and American Music Awards.

Mufasa: The Lion King is just one of the new Disney movies coming our way. Let us know which one you're most excited for in the comments and check out our TikTok for more pop culture news!

Lead image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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30 Mid-Century Modern Decor Picks That Will Give Your Home The Coolest Retro Vibes

Mid-century modern decor embodies the perfect marriage of sleek simplicity and timeless elegance. With clean lines, organic shapes, and a minimalist approach, the MCM style captures the essence of vintage design with a contemporary take. This interior style showcases a blend of form and function, emphasizing both aesthetics and practicality. From iconic dining tables to vibrant wardrobes, these mid-century modern decor picks continuously captivate not only guests, but yourself, bringing a touch of retro-chic sophistication and grace to any space.

Mid-Century Modern Decor

Mango Wood Contemporary Pillar Candle Holder ($15)

The mid-century style is recognizable for simplistic yet organic shapes, and these sleek candle holders stylishly adhere to that.

Raawii Strøm Vase ($89)

For a burst of color, opt for this shapely blue vase.

Joybird Flynn Mirror ($305, was $470)

The rounded corners on this mirror bring elements of comfort into your mid-century-inspired space.

Gold Starburst Atomic Clock ($130)

Toeing the line between mid-mod and art deco, this gold starburst wall clock is the ultimate decor accessory for a retro vibe.

Kate & Laurel All Things Decor Sylvie Mid-Century Modern Pattern Framed Canvas ($110)

Don't forget to dress up those walls with some wall art! This colorful design is sophisticated, but simultaneously playful.

West Elm Pure Ceramic Footed Decorative Bowl ($75, was $94)

Continuing with the organic form, this display bowl can be used to hold fresh fruits, or utilized as an elevated front door catch-all.

Wideboy Alarm Clock ($59)

This wide alarm clock will sit on your bedside table in mid-century fashion. The bold numbers followed by thin clock hands recall the appliances made in the vintage era.

Sputnik Ball Candle Holder ($59)

You might have seen this starry shape once or twice before, without knowing its form originates from the 1957 Sputnik spacecraft launch! Since then, the sputnik has become a bold symbol not only of the space race, but of mid-century design as a whole.

World Market Multicolor Woven Check Pillow ($32, was $40)

Just because mid-century modern leans heavily on wooden pieces doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with color! The structured pattern on this pillow plays well with more rounded, organic lines.

Mid-Century Modern Wall Shelf with Arched Wood Design ($70+)

The lined arch detail takes this shelf to anything *but* boring. It's the perfect size to flaunt all your favorite knick-knacks, or a small bouquet of flowers.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Set of 2 Betterhood Rattan Nightstands ($130)

This duo of nightstands infuse your bedroom with all the mid-century details – from rattan shelves to tapered feet.

IKEA Ekenäset Armchair ($279)

We love the subdued color on this chair's upholstering. It adds enough flair to your space, but will match swimmingly with your existing style.

Urban Outfitters Mason Storage Cabinet ($1,300, was $1,700)

This smooth arched cabinet would work amazingly in a mid-century modern kitchen space, offering plenty of storage that you can see, thanks to its glass windows.

Tilton Round Mint Green Geo Pedestal Outdoor Accent Table ($72, was $80)

Have fun with accents – this mint green table is the ultimate way to start.

Saracina Home 2 Door Mid-Century Modern Wood Storage TV Stand ($360)

The tilted legs and low-sitting silhouette of this TV stand give it that mid-century definition. Use it to stack books on, store homewares, and style more mid-century decor!

Room & Board Gibson Coffee Table ($1,300)

Your mid-century coffee table is not a mid-century coffee table unless it has curves. This triangular pick from Room & Board is simple yet eye-catching!

Urban Outfitters Hugo Side Table / Nightstand ($199)

The rounded hutches in this side table design make a perfect play on negative space, adding desirable dimension.

Anthro Living Home Velvet Hagen Dining Chair ($468)

The velvet material these dining chairs are constructed from introduce more elegance, ideal for a cozy mid-cench dining room!

Threshold Johannson Mid-Century Modern 4 Shelf Bookcase ($170, was $200)

Mid-century styles thrive on function. This shelved bookcase provides an ample amount of space to store books, papers, and pictures!

SAYGOER Small Oval Coffee Table ($80)

The contrast between this table's legs and tabletop allow you to match the piece with the rest of your mid-century modern furniture!

Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Anthro Living Electra Table Lamp ($161, was $248)

This warm-hued lamp brings in some friendly flair to your mid-century bedroom or living space!

Terrain Globe Table Lamp ($128)

The grained wood combined with an alluring, spherical lampshade makes this light super sleek.

IKEA Dejsa Table Lamp ($55)

The mushroom lamp is heavily trending, but for good reason. This one emulates fungi in the most amusing way, opting for a neutral color palette that's easy to pair with other decor pieces.

Urban Outfitters Aldona Marble Table Lamp ($169)

Think of this marble pick as the more elevated version of the above lamp – perfect for a clean home office.

Retro Design Mushroom Lamp ($66)

Go bold with this all-orange mushroom lamp that'll illuminate your home with super warm light.

Mid-Century Modern Rugs

Ruggable 5'x7' Modern Chartreuse Rug ($219)

The abstract pattern on this rug will go great with mid-century modern basics, amping up the color!

Amelia Hazy Swirls Area Rug ($164, was $235)

With this rug, you can cover your floors in the adorable arched rainbow motif that's so prominent in mid-mod design.

Poly & Bark Berat 6'x9' Rug ($169)

This rug design provides a great balance between straight and wavy lines, all working together to coat your living room or bedroom floors in abstraction.

Joybird Rumi 6'x9' Rug ($658, was $1,013)

The scattered shapes on this piece surprisingly form a cohesive look, with enough color to add visual interest to your home decor.

Balta Rugs Caserio Mid-Century Modern Abstract Rug ($185, was $206)

The overlapping arches on this comfy floorpiece are outlined in a dark gray that further accentuates its mid-century details.

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Anthro Living

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23 Mother's Day Gifts Every Kind Of Mom Is Bound To Love

Moms juggle a lot, and oftentimes, taking a single day to celebrate them isn't nearly enough. She's the caretaker, the advice giver, the shoulder to cry on, and the cheerleader behind everyone in her crew! You just can't not give mom (that also includes all the sisters, girlfriends, mentors, wives, stepmoms, and grand-moms in your life) a much-neededspecial something to show her that you love her and you get her.

Here are some Mother's Day gifts that are just as fun to give as they are to get, from self care must-haves and trending fashion pieces to stylish home goods that'll make Mother's Day uniquely special this year.

Old Navy Cool Moms Club Graphic T-Shirt

Mom already knows she's a cool mom, but with this cozy cotton graphic tee, she'll actually get to show it off!

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Sauté Pan

Not only is this pan aesthetically pleasing, it's practical, too! The durable nonstick coating makes cooking all kinds of foods a total breeze, plus it can even go in the oven up to temperatures of 500 degrees F.

Barzel 18K Gold Plated Woven Love Knot Stud Earrings

These classy stud earrings are worthy of everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance to mom's accessory game in an instant. They are crafted to be waterproof and tarnish-proof. Score!

Bedsure Yellow Fleece Blanket

Mom's couch blanket def needs a nice upgrade. This affordable one is the perfect solution! It's made from a crazy-soft fleece material that delivers comfort year-round. Opt for a bright color like this yellow for the warmer months!

Soft Services Green Banana Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant

These exfoliating bars smell not-to-sweet, with hints of tonka bean and musk for a very well-rounded effect. Each one is loaded with superfine sanding crystals floating throughout a moisturizing, soothing soap base that'll make mom feel like sheer luxury and super smooth.

This set of two bars is $33.

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer

Bet you she's never felt hydration like this! The Laneige Water Bank Moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration for up to 100 hours thanks to the formulation of hyaluronic acid and squalene.

Custom Leather Jewelry Box with Name & Birth Flower Month

This convenient jewelry box is the gift for moms on the go. Its compact size makes it super travel-friendly, slipping into a backpack or purse with ease. There are spaces for everything from necklaces and bracelets to rings and earrings, and mom can customize the layout to her liking since the dividers are removable!

Threshold Ceramic Signature Chip & Dip Serving Bowl

For the mom that always welcomes you home with snacks, this sleek chip and dip serving bowl will compliment her kitchen with a limited color palette and streamlined design, so you can both get some dip on your chips with ease!

Personalized Birthdate Pendant

Shoppable at 20% off for a limited-time Mother's Say sale, the Birthdate Pendant is totally customizable, as it's based on any birthday day and month. This sweet astrological homage to mom's birthday (or any other significant date) is laid into either a 14K gold plated or sterling silver pendant that she can flaunt every single day!

Great Jones Sweet & Savory Baking Mats

Let's hear it for zero waste! This 2-piece set of baking mats is the ultimate sustainable, reusable alternative to parchment paper. Made from silicone, the mats are 100% dishwasher-friendly, BPA-free, and food- and oven-safe... plus, they have cute little illustrations for maximum enjoyment in the kitchen.

Magnolia Bakery Mother's Day Flower Cupcakes

Magnolia Bakery is so tasty, so any mama with a sweet tooth will adore a treat-filled gift like this one! This 6-pack of sweets arrives fresh and ready to eat. A vanilla cupcake base is topped with hand-piped vanilla buttercream in the shape of a flower, so who really needs a real bouquet?!

Subtl Beauty Starter Stak

Time for a touch-up? This 5-in-1 portable makeup stack is the perfect size for slotting into a purse or glove box so mom can keep her freshest face on all day! It comes complete with a cream concealer, lip and cheek color, powder bronzer, powder highlighter, and a shine-control powder for those mid-day makeup breaks.

Hedley & Bennett Smock

Aprons and smocks are made to get dirty, but you might as well gift mom one that's cute, too! This flowery pick from Hedley & Bennett x Rifle Paper Co. features all sorts of blooms to match the tone of this year's armer months. It slides on with a comfy cross-back design that keeps slips conveniently at bay in between all of mom's fun cooking and baking projects!

Salt & Stone Antioxidant Body Wash

Self-care should feel like a total treat, and this body wash from Salt & Stone ensures a pleasurable experience with each use with notes of black rose and oud. The glass bottle and firm pump really elevates this gift from your run-of-the-mill body washes!

Anthropologie Bubble Letter Monogram Necklace

This playful necklace costs under $50, making it a wonderful (and nicely personalized) affordable Mother's Day gift. Gift mom her own initial, or even give her yours as a reminder of the amazing child you are.

SeaVees Acorn Trainer

Get mom into all things trendy with some cute sneakers! If the viral Adidas Sambas aren't supportive enough for her step, these cushiony-soft green kicks from SeaVees are equally trendy with a deep green colorway and heightened heel space for added comfort.

Frasier Sterling x Anthropologie Sunglass Case

Gifting mom this adorable case alongside a colorful pair of sunnies is the perfect way to help her kick off summertime. The fruity theme is too fun to ignore, she'll be carrying it with her everywhere she goes!

Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm

This "intensely nourishing" lip balm comes in 13 different shades that deposit a deliciously sheer sheen of color to the lips that looks stunning alone or on top of lipstick. And the best part? A tube is only $10.

Cabot Creamery Salty & Sweet Gift Box

Satisfy her cravings for both salty and sweet with this super snacky gift box filled with chocolates, salted maple crackers, raspberry jam, and a delicious mix of Cabot Creamery cheeses! With this gift, mom scores a cheese knife and a cutting board, too, for all future cheese board sharing.

Hello Adorn Tiny Links Necklace

This delicate necklace design can be representative of you and your mom's special bond, or it can simply serve as an adorable everyday piece for her collection! You can snag it either in sterling silver or a 14K gold fill material, so no mom's metal preference is left out.

Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

For the mom who's always behind the camera (AKA all of us), this Polaroid camera delivers instant prints of her fave memories, places, and people. It'll give her a nice dose of nostalgia, too!

Nostalgia Eau De Parfum

The light white lily scent of this perfume is perfect for spring and summertime, but better yet, it'll make mom think of you every single time she spritzes it on.

Athleta Excursion Waistbag

This versatile everyday sling bag helps her keep her essentials in check with this convenient pockets, a comfy strap, and a cozy mesh material that ensures breathability in each and every wear.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This article has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Here's What The "Challengers" Ending Actually Means

Challengers is honestly just one giant tennis match. While we watch Zendaya's Tashi, Mike Faist's Art, and Josh O'Connor's Patrick play the game in a literal sense, we also see their personal relationship spiral, ricocheting back and forth as each character plays a different role every couple of years. And the crazy Challengers ending is a culmination of this intense emotional journey because it solidifies Patrick, Tashi, and Art's relationship — both to one another, but also to tennis itself.

What did the ending of The Challengers mean?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

There is a lot of tension between Tashi, Art, and Patrick throughout the movie, and it all builds to the titular Challenger match. It's Art vs. Patrick, and they're playing for way more than just the title and the money (though of course, they're definitely playing for the title and the money) — this is one final chance to prove themselves to Tashi, who's sitting court-side looking very unimpressed.

Both men lose their cool during different sets, but it's in the third and final set that everything comes to a head. At the end of the match, Patrick confesses to sleeping with Tashi using a tennis ball and racket signal only Art recognizes. For a split second Art is is complete shock, and I expected him to completely lose it. And, technically, he does, but in a totally unexpected way. Rather than jump the net and punch Patrick in the face, Art channels his emotions into his tennis, and the fury he feels actually allows him break through whatever slump he's been stuck in.

Unable to have a conversation about Patrick's secret, Art and Patrick talk with their serves and returns. And because Tashi doesn't catch the signal, for the first time in the whole movie, she's cut out of the conversation.

Did Tashi love Art and Patrick?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

Tashi's been pulling the strings ever since she met Art and Patrick, and she's never not been in control. After Patrick sends the signal, she knows something is going on between them, she just doesn't know what — and it unnerves her. Thanks to Zendaya's expert subtlety, the twitch of her eyebrow or the particularly anxious way she grips her hands are the only things that give her away. But her confusion, and the men's anger, quickly turn to pure joy in the final moments of the movie.

Patrick and Art end up playing so intensely that they meet at the net and embrace, prompting Tashi's iconic tennis yell before she gives one of her first genuine laughs of the film and the screen cuts to black. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "What?!" but the more I think about it, the clearer the Challengers ending is.

Patrick and Art (whose relationship begins six or seven years before the movie opens) haven't spoken since the big fight surrounding Tashi's injury, and their hug proves they're just happy to be playing together again. It's what they've always loved, and their fight over Tashi almost ended it forever. Tashi's pure elation shows she's happy to watch some good tennis, especially after she failed to help Art break out of his rut.

We've only seen Tashi scream like that once before, when she admits to a perfect tennis match. While Tashi does care for Patrick and Art, the end of Challengers proves the characters' true love was never really each other — it was always the game.

What did you think of the Challengers ending? After you rewatch the movie (and then rewatch it again), check out the other Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024.

Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

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