Compelling And Worth Watching—Review Of Fair Play (2023)

Emily and Luke are hedge fund analysts, secretly dating but can't reveal their relationship status because of company policy. After a night party, Luke proposes to Emily in a bathroom and she accepts. They both declare to each other, "I love you."

Days later, the love bubble begins to shake when Emily is promoted by her boss, Campbell (played by Eddie Marsan), to portfolio manager (PM). She also becomes Luke's boss. Their relationship begins to disintegrate. How will Luke handle this promotion? Will they survive as a couple or let the pressure of the job affect them?

Review

I love this film! It's supposed to be about the couple and it is, really, but it's totally Phoebe Dynevor's film. The plot is brilliant and riveting and we see this young actress in action in almost every scene. The camera is trained on her face, moves, demeanour, stilettos, promotion, failings and ultimately, how she recaptures her power.

The storytelling is direct, even-paced and no backstory is needed to understand the role of the characters. The film depicts, in a realistic way, the complex dynamics of a heterosexual relationship where the balance of power is reversed. It's no longer a "man is the head/ leader" kind of relationship. We see how most men would act and handle things when their partner holds a higher position or earns more.

It's sad and aggravating. The performances of Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor are so good that you would yell at your TV at some point while watching. I almost did.

This film captures the difficulties powerful women face when they are forced to minimise (or hide) their earned successes in their love relationships. It's either that or face the rage and resentment of partners/spouses that come from a challenged ego.

Other themes explored in Fair Play include sexism, abuse, workplace power imbalance, slut-shaming, gender norms, rape and violence.

Director Chloe Domont impressively covered all areas where a woman can be defeated and dragged in the proverbial mud by a man who can't measure up to her. Honestly, no woman is obligated to cater to her partner's or husband's ego in this respect. I love that Domont also portrays how violence is more of weakness than strength.

The scene I find very satisfying is the final one where Emily forces Luke to come to terms with his inferiority and lack of judgement. She drew some blood with a knife and that's good enough for me!

Another performance I enjoy is that of Eddie Marsan as Campbell. He convincingly displays the ruthlessness of a boss in the financial (cutthroat) industry and his withering stares alone keep his staff in check.

The cinematography, visuals and editing are superb. I have no complaints in these areas. Most of the scenes are focused on the offices and the couple's apartment.

Overall, Fair Play is a film worth watching. It sends meaningful messages to both the male and female gender. Sometimes, love is not enough when reality collides with it. I'll give it 4 stars out of 5.

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^{Other images are screenshots from the movie}