The cutthroat world of finance takes centre stage for Chloe Domont’s feature directorial debut as one couple see their lives forever changed after an unexpected promotion triggers a devastating chain of events. The film stars Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich as the aforementioned couple, alongside Eddie Marsan and Rich Sommer.
Luke (Ehrenreich) and Emily (Dynevor) are a young couple hot off the heels of their new engagement, both with successful careers in finance. But when one of them lands an unexpected promotion at their cutthroat hedge fund firm, a devastating chain of events is triggered, and Luke and Emily’s happy lives begin to unravel. New power dynamics, fragile masculinity, and jealousy threaten this couple’s once-perfect lives as they’re forced to confront new problems that threaten their relationship.
Chloe Domont delivers an impressive feature debut with 'Fair Play' The director, known for her work in tense dramas like 'Billions' and 'Ballers', crafts a stirring erotic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you eagerly wait to see what happens next. Domont creates an engaging two-hander that places you right in the middle of this young couple’s explosive downfall while also tackling current issues. 'Fair Play' highlights the scrutiny women face in male-dominated industries, with a scene in which Emily’s boss (played by Eddie Marsan) calls her a ‘dumb fucking bitch’. As well as directing, Domont also pens the script for the film, a taut and slick script that smoothly transitions to screen and elevates two powerhouse performances from its leads. 'Fair Play' is accompanied by a tense score that flawlessly matches the film's tone. Composer, Brian McOmber, who has previously worked with artists like Björk and St. Vincent, creates a score that reflects the high-strung, intense environment these characters find themselves in while also reflecting how they're feeling. On the visual side, cinematographer Menno Mans provides the film with slick, crisp imagery that immerses the audience in Emily and Luke’s world as it crumbles around them.
Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich both deliver spectacular performances across the two-hour runtime. The pair share intense chemistry, making for convincing performances that you can’t draw yourself away from. Dynevor shows a new side of her acting abilities, especially compared to her previous roles on shows like 'Bridgerton' and 'Younger', but that doesn’t mean the actress can’t hold her own. She fully embraces the role of Emily and produces an outstanding performance that leaves you wanting more after the final scene. Dynevor stars opposite Alden Ehrenreich, who most recently appeared in Christopher Nolan’s 'Oppenheimer' and will soon be seen in the Marvel TV series 'Ironheart'. Ehrenreich, much like his co-star, delivers a thrilling performance that shows how jealousy and frustration can send someone off the deep end and push them to their limits. He especially shines during the latter half of the film, where his true feelings about the promotion shines through and his spiral into madness. These two stellar performances are accompanied by strong supporting turns from the rest of the cast that help the audience understand how women are treated in workplaces like the one in the film.
Led by two stunning performances from its leads, 'Fair Play' is a knockout feature debut from Chloe Domont. By the time the credits roll, audiences will be eagerly awaiting her next outing as a director, as with the film, she proves herself as someone who can skilfully bring a thrilling film like this to the screen. Phoebe Dyenvor and Alden Ehrenreich each deliver stunning performances that elevate the 'Fair Play' to a new level. What the film lacks in scale, it makes up for with its assured performances and impressive technical aspects, all of which make 'Fair Play' such a strong film.