Make This Skillet Apple Almond Crisp for Brunch This Weekend

We have a very important announcement: Today is #AlmondDay! We think that calls for a celebration, don’t you?

Our suggestion? Plan a brunch this weekend with your friends and fam and whip up your favorite almond dishes! We’ve teamed up with the folks at Almond Board of California to bring you the perfect recipe. Introducing our Skillet Apple Almond Crisp! Read on for all the deets.

Ingredients:

– 8 large apples

– 2 cups blueberries

– 2 lemons

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 cups oatmeal

– 2/3 cup brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon cinnamon

– 2 sticks salted butter, chilled and cubed

– 1 cup whole natural almonds

– sliced almonds

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine apples, blueberries, the zest of 1 lemon, the juice of 2 lemons and granulated sugar. Stir to combine.

2. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir together. Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until large crumbs are formed. Chop almonds and fold them into the crisp topping.

3. Pour the fruit mixture into a greased skillet. Top with the almond crisp mix. Dot the top of the crisp with a few pieces of butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake crisp for 55-60 minutes, until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbly. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a finishing touch. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine apples, blueberries, the zest of one lemon, the juice of two lemons and granulated sugar. Stir to combine.

In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir together.

Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until large crumbs are formed.

Chop almonds and fold them into the crisp topping.

Pour the fruit mixture into a greased skillet.

Top with the almond crisp mix.

Dot the top of the crisp with a few pieces of butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake crisp for 55-60 minutes, until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbly.

Sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for a finishing touch.

And then dig in!

This crisp is the perfect ending to a weekend brunch with friends.

DELISH.

What are your favorite brunch recipes? Drop us a line on Twitter!

This post is a collaboration with Almond Board of California.

Once summer rolls around, strawberries take center stage, which means strawberry desserts are the highlight of the season. From classics like strawberry shortcake to innovative creations like strawberry s’mores, these 32 strawberry desserts push the boundaries of that fruity, juicy flavor we all know and love. Get ready to indulge!

Strawberry Freakshakes

Think of this recipe as your traditional strawberry milkshake, but leveled-up beyond compare. The "freak" label for these decadent shakes is entirely accurate, as they get loaded with sugar, ice cream, donuts, whipped cream, and of course, rainbow sprinkles. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Donuts

These strawberry donuts earn a healthy (or well, healthier) edge by using whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and Greek yogurt. Don't worry though – they're still as sweet as ever, and they'll be super tasty alongside some coffee for a nice morning treat! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Tart

This tart looks impressive, but it's not all that hard to execute. Get your hands on just 5 ingredients – store-bought pastry dough and custard help expedite the process – and you'll be well on your way to strawberry, dessert-y goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Chia Oatmeal Cookies

Turns out, you can eat cookies for breakfast! These strawberry-filled lil' bites serve as a quick power-up with fruit, oats, and chia seeds. You can even pack a few in your lunchbox for a healthy mid-day snack sesh. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

These skewered strawberry desserts would make a fun Friday night activity to share with your boo! Simply soak some fresh berries in pink champagne overnight, then assemble them onto skewers before dipping them right into a dark chocolate bath and garnishing with more chocolate and crushed pistachios! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Lemon Cookies

Strawberries and lemons are a match made in flavor heaven, and these easy cookies (they only take 20 minutes) deliver a strawberry lemonade-type taste. Summer, here we come! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate Strawberry Cake

We are salivating for this chocolatey cake! The cakey layers are quite simple to make, then you'll use fresh strawberries for the mid-layer and as a beautiful garnish. Don't you dare forget to add that creamy chocolate ganache! (via Give Recipes)

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is an absolute classic! This recipe makes a few simple swaps (like whole wheat flour instead of regular, and maple syrup instead of white sugar) to make each and every bite a tad bit lighter than your traditional take. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Dark Chocolate Strawberry S'mores

You haven't lived until you've tried putting fresh strawberries on your s'mores. Just look at that gooey goodness! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Peanut Butter Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Once you learn how to make this sweet strawberry frosting, you'll wanna put it on everything you make, from cupcakes to cookies. And yes, even this nutty peanut butter cake! Pile it on real high. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

The crunchy coating on these strawberry shortcake-inspired ice cream bars is exactly why you need to make them this summer. It's comprised of brown Rice Krispie pieces and freeze-dried strawberries to add some variety in texture, and wow, is it delicious! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Rhubarb makes an excellent partner to strawberries. Case in point: this no-frills, uber-fresh pie with an impressive lattice crust! (via Completely Delicious)

Strawberry Cocoa

This sip is like if you combined a strawberry shake and hot chocolate into one. It's so dreamy! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Chocolate Strawberry Hi-Hat Cupcakes

That cross-section, though! These rich chocolate cupcakes are piled high with strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream icing. Once they're iced, they're dipped in even more chocolate to form a satisfying outer shell. (via Butternut Bakery)

Strawberry Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff

These strawberry fudge bites are just perfect for a little Valentine's Day dessert. This recipe surely doesn't shy away from sugar! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Matcha Madeleines

Matcha, chocolate, and strawberries?! We are totally swooning over these tiny strawberry desserts. While the madeleine cookies are soft and airy, the dark chocolate layer on the outside provides a nice crunch, contrasting the textures and flavors in each bite. (via The Original Dish)

Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies

Strawberry cake mix makes these strawberry desserts so much quicker, but they don't skimp on flavor at all. If you want to take things up a notch, try adding some fresh strawberries on top! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

These Rice Krispie treats would make our child selves go crazy. You'll only need four ingredients to make 'em: freeze-dried strawberries, cereal, marshmallows, and butter, so they're a good dessert to make if you don't have a lot of ingredients on-hand and don't feel up to baking! (via The Endless Meal)

Chocolate Strawberry Mock-tini

This non-alcoholic, dairy free martini is decadence at its finest. You'll create your very own chocolate coconut simple syrup before concocting a mix of cashew milk, strawberries, and swirls of melted chocolate. (via Chef Bai)

Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Strawberry Jam

We all need more brownie recipes in our life, right? These rich bars are instantly elevated by a homemade strawberry jam that you'll likely have leftovers of to put on toasts, sandwiches, and more strawberry desserts! (via Two Spoons)

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Although this recipe's a bit more breakfast-y, it still qualifies as dessert in our minds because it's loaded to the brim with a super-sweet cream cheese filling and sweetened strawberries worthy of the dessert table. Plus, there's plenty of syrup to go around! (via Live Eat Learn)

Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

These strawberry desserts are snack-worthy in the morning, afternoon, and as a late night snack, of course! If you thought store-bought Pop Tarts were good, just wait 'til you make them for yourself with fresh strawberries. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns

The strawberry cheesecake filling stuffed into these airy buns is to die for! Prep a batch for a fun cafe-themed party, or keep the half-dozen all to yourself for morningtime bliss. (via Vikalinka)

Strawberry Banana Bread

Banana bread is a total lifesaver when it comes to using those overripe bananas sitting out on your counter, and it gets even better once strawberries enter the mix! This recipe is moist, sweet, and perfect as a little treat. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes

Looking for vegan strawberry desserts? Your search is over with these vegan strawberry cupcakes covered in vegan whipped cream. Add some more fresh berries for full effect! (via Earthly Provisions)

Strawberry Scones

Dare to make your local coffee shop jealous with these homemade scones using strawberries. Once you're done baking them, you'll cover each one with a delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting for maximum flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

Sweet galette recipes are our weakness. They're so sweet and shareable, plus this one in particular is a good way to start using all your farmer's market produce! (via Amanda Wilens)

2-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Simply blend some frozen strawberries and bananas together, and you've got a sweet treat that can fulfill your cravings for creamy ice cream! For even more dessert vibes, top this recipe with sprinkles, Oreos, or chocolate syrup, Or all three. We'd do it, too. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Strawberry Chocolate Mint Smoothies

The addition of mint leaves takes this sweet sipper to a whole new level. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Strawberry Jelly No-Bake Cheesecake

Have you ever seen a cheesecake so beautiful?! Plus, this one requires zero baking, making it the perfect pick for hot summers. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Strawberry Macarons

If you're up to the challenge, making macarons yourself can be so rewarding. Each of these little sweet sandwiches is filled with strawberry jam and a cheesecake-inspired icing. (via Barley & Sage)

Vegan Fruity Pebble Cheesecake

Colorful, fruity, and sweet? Say no more. This Fruity Pebbles cheesecake just earned the top spot on our "to-bake" list!(via No Eggs or Ham)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious dessert recipes!

Lead image via The Endless Meal.

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

Paleodesserts typically avoid processed ingredients, grains, dairy products, and refined sugars – but that doesn’t mean they have to be bad. Sure, they primarily focus on using whole foods, but there are tons of paleo desserts out there that don’t feel like you’re eating on a diet at all.

Common ingredients in paleo desserts include almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, dates, and various fruits like berries or bananas. You can feel really good about eating these 11 paleo desserts. They’re nutrient-dense and perfectly sweet! From snack-sized bites to fully-fledged cakes, we’ve got you covered.

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are superior when it comes to paleo desserts, or any desserts for that matter. These addictive bites take on the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate, all without leaning on process ingredients! (via Brit + Co)

Cherry-Cranberry Almond Paleo Scones

These paleo scones are just as good as the ones you'd snag from your local coffee shop. Cherries and cranberries dot the sweet dough for a fresh touch, plus there's a delicious cranberry glaze to top it all off! These paleo desserts would work so well for serving a large party crowd – or, you could save the leftovers all for yourself. (via Brit + Co)

Fudgy Paleo Brownies

Though you might assume paleo desserts say 'no' to chocolate, this brownie recipe will instantly prove you wrong. The batter, made primarily from almond flour, coconut flour, and cocoa powder, gets balanced out in terms of moisture with coconut oil, eggs, and maple syrup. Dark chocolate is the key to this dessert's success! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Paleo Gummy Bears

Our list of paleo desserts wouldn't be complete without the more fruity snacks! These paleo-friendly gummy bears only require three ingredients and a gummy bear mold with a dropper. You can make any flavor you want depending on the type of fruit juice you use – just make sure it's labeled “not from concentrate” and is organic to abide by the paleo guidelines. (via Clean Cuisine)

Berry Paleo Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze

Banana bread is the ultimate treat you can snack on in the morning, afternoon, and at night. This paleo version is doctored up with even more healthy stuff like three types of berries and an addictively tart lemon glaze. Swoon! (via The Endless Meal)

Coconut-Coated No-Bake Energy Bites

For paleo desserts that you *don't* have to actually bake, energy bites are the sweetest solution. These can be crafted within minutes using a short list of ingredients: prunes (healthy fiber FTW!), almonds, chia seeds, and surprisingly, orange juice! Pop one in your mouth for a workday snack, or wait for bedtime to indulge in this daily sweet treat. (via Live Eat Learn)

Raw Chocolate Avocado Pudding

This spoonable paleo dessert is also plant-based, gluten-free, and made with 5 ingredients. The creamy base is made with 2 ripe avocados, which get masked with the flavors of cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and the natural sweetener of your choice. (via Veggie Society)

Paleo Coconut Cream Pie

You may be a bit skeptical at just how good a keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free pie could really taste, but we promise this one is ahh-mazing. The coconut flour, coconut milk, coconut whipping cream, and *actual* shredded coconut form the signature flavor without taking over too strongly. You'll wanna eat slice after slice! (via No Eggs or Ham)

Paleo Thin Mints

Wanna enjoy your fave Girl Scout cookies year-round? Look no further than these paleo thin mints that incorporate the minty, chocolatey flavors you love, without any harmful additives. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Paleo + Vegan Caramel Apple Slices

Us any apple variety you love alongside some melted dark chocolate and caramel to create these mouthwatering apple slice pops. You can go crazy with with topping 'em with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and the like, but it's really up to you on how to best enjoy them. (via Rachel Mansfield)

4-Ingredient Chocolate Chia Pudding

This chocolatey chia pudding is too tasty. With an ample serving of chia seeds, cocoa powder, almond milk, and maple syrup, this is a certifiably healthy paleo dessert. (via Two Spoons)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more healthy recipes sent straight to your inbox!

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gifting inspo!

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.

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