When The Editor Cuts In Another Dimension

Discover How to Edit Like Hayden: https://hayden-hillier-smith.mykajabi.com/edit-like-an-artist Download your starter kit now at filmsupply.com/editfest Lock in your .store domain today here - https://go.store/tep1 Host: @HillierSmith Guest: Marco Costa Editor: @TristanBoudazin2.2 Intro Editor: @LiamBedford Thumbnail: Slater Executive Producer: Vishnu Vallabhaneni On this episode of The Editing Podcast, host Hayden Hillier-Smith sits down with Challengers editor Marco Costa for an in-depth conversation on cutting one of the most stylish, sensual, and emotionally charged films of the year. From director Luca Guadagnino’s bold vision to the electric performances by Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, Challengers is more than just a sports film—it’s a love triangle wrapped in sweat, power plays, and psychological warfare. And at the center of it all is Costa’s masterful editing, which threads tension, character, and rhythm through every frame. Together, Hayden and Marco break down the film’s unforgettable final tennis match—a high-stakes emotional climax that pushes the boundaries of traditional sports editing. They explore how tempo, reaction shots, and unexpected visual choices elevate the scene into something operatic and erotic, where the physical game mirrors the characters’ inner turmoil. Marco also shares insights into how the film’s nonlinear timeline came together in the edit, how music from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross shaped the tone, and what it took to balance the sweaty intimacy of Guadagnino’s directing style with a story about competition, control, and love. Whether you're a fan of Challengers, a student of film editing, or just curious how great scenes are built from the cut up, this conversation offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the process of editing a modern cult classic. Subscribe for more conversations with top editors behind today’s most iconic films and series.