An unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund pushes a young couple’s relationship to the brink, threatening to unravel far more than their recent engagement.
Chuck says:
Fierce and volatile, Chloe Domont’s “Fair Play” is a slow-burn drama that examines how the relationship of two lovers is altered when one is promoted over the other. The premise itself is simple but the focus is on the sexual politics that come into play, as far more than hard work and dedication is rewarded in their high-stakes workplace. Issues such as conflict resolution and sexual harassment may be discussed but hardly adhered to, what with the underhanded machinations that ultimately drive this company.
Domont sets the table from the start, as we’re made quite aware that Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) is head over heels for Emily (Phoebe Dynevor). Slightly drunk at a wedding they’re attending, he has no problems proclaiming his love for her to anyone who will listen, going so far as to propose to her in a restroom after an impromptu romp is unexpectedly derailed. She’s stunned by this turn and it’s the first indication we have that she might not be at the level of commitment as him.
That they work at the same New York City investment firm comes as no surprise but the fact that are dating and living together despite the company’s policy against fraternization does. This arrangement suddenly becomes awkward when Emily is given a promotion that was rumored to be going to Luke and while he says he’s happy for her, subtle changes in his behavior belie this.
The way Emily is perceived by Luke and her co-workers once she’s promoted changes quickly, and not for the better. Immediately, it is assumed she used her feminine wiles to get where she is, and resentment soon sinks in. Luke treats her more coldly at home and work, excusing his behavior as the sort of professional decorum they need to follow now that she’s in a superior position.
Emily finds herself in a boy’s club where she constantly feels as though she has to prove herself. To celebrate an early success, she suggests they go to a high-class strip club, the usual locale for such occasions, going out of her way to buy private dances for her colleagues and even herself. She also takes unnecessary chances with clients and their investments in an effort to prove herself, an approach that takes a disastrous turn.
While what occurs in the workplace is not surprising, the relationship between the two principals and how it devolves is. While Emily promises to go out of her way to make sure Luke will be promoted to the next available spot, he recommends an investment to her that ultimately blows up in her face. The sincerity of each is called into question – is she being disingenuous with her promises? Did he purposely sabotage her with his advice?
These ambiguities are intriguing and the best part of Domont’s taut script. Not only must credit be given for how well-written the characters are and the crispness of the dialogue, but also the work of the two leads. Ehrenreich is one of our most underrated screen actors, while Dynevor is a revelation. Neither shies away from the extremes Domont requires of them as their characters’ behavior sinks to levels that would have been initially unthinkable to either.
As such, “Fair Play” is not for the faint of heart. Though its third act will likely repel some viewers, its necessary to take the story to its logical conclusion and, more importantly, prompt discussion that need to continue regarding gender roles in the workplace. Timely and uncompromising, the social reaction to this film will be intriguing to witness.
3 1/2 Stars
