The world of finance and corporate greed has been an area films have examined for decades. Films like Wall Street and The Wolf of Wall Street have tackled the social dynamics of the industry along with its rags to riches stories. For me, that industry has always made an interesting topic for directors to dive into with their films. The toxicity within the sector has remained throughout the decades, but what if that toxicity left the workplace?
That’s a question one of Sundance 2023’s best films looks to answer. And boy, is that question answered in Chloe Domont’s directorial debut, Fair Play.
A razor-sharp psychological thriller that dissects sexual politics in the workplace, wealth, corporate greed, and betrayal.
Fair Play follows Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich), a couple who work at the same financial firm and run through the same daily grind to move up the ladder within their company. Both wake up daily striving for career success. However, when a promotion opens up at their company, the emotional stakes of their relationship are on the line as they navigate through the landmines of a new boss/employee dynamic.
Chloe Domont’s screenplay is a masterclass of tension-building. Her screenplay and direction is able to hold the audience’s attention as she builds the rise and eventual fall of their relationship. It’s sensational. While it’s only the first month of the year, it’s going to be hard not to consider Chloe Domont’s directorial debut as one of the year’s best debuts. Aiding Domont is Meno Mans’ cinematography which adds to the atmospheric tension as Mans’ lens creates a world where turmoil is imminent even in the backdrop of an office setting.
Tensions are high and Dynevor and Ehrenreich’s chemistry explodes on the screen. The duo gives magnetic and charismatic performances which elevate the screenplay to greater heights. When Dynevor and Ehrenreich are on screen individually or together, it’s impossible to look away. I was floored by their work, especially Ehrenreich, who received a bad wrap after the flop of Solo: A Star Wars Story a few years ago.
When it premieres this year, Fair Play will be a massive hit for Netflix. Its frenetic pacing, sharp screenplay, stunning performances, and Dynevor’s popularity off Bridgerton will broaden the film’s audience. Looking at all the movies that have played at the Sundance Film Festival this year, it’s hard not to consider Fair Play one of its best.
