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The simple description of Fair Play on Netflix cannot do justice to the enthralling film I had the pleasure of watching. Not only is the commentary razor sharp, but the aspect of entertaining the audience never takes a backseat, culminating with a final act that had me hiding underneath my blanket. 

Who knew hedge funds would exhilarate me more than any roller coaster? Fair Play is writer and director Chloe Domont’s feature-length debut. It initially premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year before its international premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and its European premiere at the Zurich Film Festival.

The film begins at Luke’s (Alden Ehrenreich) brother’s wedding, where he brings Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) as his guest. They are obsessed with each other and deeply in love, and she’s adored by all his family in attendance. Unable to keep their hands off each other, they move it into the bathroom and continue getting hot and heavy until a surprise guest stops them in their tracks. Being the modern man he is, Luke isn’t bothered or concerned one bit besides the fact that the wedding photos will be a little awkward. He accidentally drops the engagement ring he’s been toting around in his pocket. He has been waiting for the right time to pop the question, which he does right then and there. She agrees with a smile and a round of kisses.

The next day at work is like any other. They make small talk, steal quick glances of eye contact, and gossip, all regular things that any work friends might do. All is good until a PM gets fired and destroys his office, leaving an opening for a promotion. Emily overhears a rumor that Luke might be the one to fill the spot. She immediately tells him, excited about his potential success, which they celebrate together that night in their apartment. After Emily receives a late-night call from PM Rory, she finds Campbell (Eddie Marsan), the boss, at the bar where she was told to come. After a quick conversation about her upbringing and her achievements in the company, he offers her the job they previously assumed would be going to Luke.

The power dynamic has shifted dramatically. Luke is now Emily’s analyst and must follow her orders. Though he says he is proud of her, I don’t think it was initially wrong for him to feel shortchanged. If you give him the benefit of the doubt, he has most likely been at the firm longer than her and was told by Emily herself about the rumor. She kindly offers to help him get the next promotion, which she isn’t obligated to do. What matters now is how he responds to this new dynamic, and it’s safe to say he responded poorly. 

Despite Luke’s initial feminist appearances, he doesn’t know how to handle being below her rank and turns to “self-help” lecturers and books. He assumes, accuses, and criticizes Emily rather than communicate his frustrated feelings to his fiancée. He devolves from petty behavior to erratic actions. Also, Emily struggles to navigate his attitude as well as the newfound friends and expectations of her higher position. Now that she’s acquired a bit of power, will it change her? The ending could be taken as controversial, but Domont’s screenplay feels so purposeful and exacting I was willing to follow her whichever way she wanted to go. 

Ehrenreich and Dynevor are an exciting and talented pairing that I would watch do anything on screen together from annoyed glances to screaming arguments. They push each other to new heights with every scene they share, and the chemistry is unbelievable. I’ve been a steadfast supporter of the Ehrenreich come-back campaign. I’ve loved him since I saw Solo: A Star Wars Story. Between Cocaine Bear, Oppenheimer, and now Fair Play, this has been a monumental year for him, and I can’t wait to see what else he is in next. And having previously seen Dynevor in Bridgerton I know for sure she has the part of a perfectionist slowly unraveling nailed down to a T.

Every dollar spent by Netflix to acquire the film was dollars well spent. Domont’s screenplay is the standout, though I must tip my hat to the editing which kept the film at a pace where I was invested the entire time. Fair Play is anxiety-inducing, a real-life thriller that is honestly perfect as an October release for those who don’t want to dip into the horror genre. If you are near a theater where this is showing, take the time to go watch it. If not, turn on Netflix, put your phone on silent, hold on tight, and ride the wave of Fair Play to the very end. 

Grade: A-

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: Best Original Screenplay

Where to Watch: Netflix and In Select Theaters