Two Wall Street analysts see their relationship in trouble when the lady becomes the man’s hierarchical superior.
Young, beautiful, rich, ambitious, Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) have everything to be happy. However, in order not to violate the regulations of the Wall Street investment firm where they are analysts, the future newlyweds must keep their romantic relationship secret. Having told Luke of a rumor that he would get a promotion, Emily is the first surprised when Campbell (Eddie Marsan), boss of the company, tells her that she was the one who got it. If Luke is initially happy for his fiancée, he soon becomes disillusioned.
TV series director (Suits, Ballers, Billions), Chloe Domont signs a blood-curdling first feature film. With a keen sense of observation, dialogues written with a scalpel and a staging of clinical precision, she dissects a toxic relationship which is festering and will lead to serious consequences for the two protagonists, both personally and professionally.
Like an insidious poison, Luke’s jealousy will weaken not only the couple, but also Emily, who risks compromising her career by trying to boost that of the mediocre analyst that is her fiancé. Disparaging comments, malicious suggestions, inappropriate gestures: everything seems calculated in Luke’s attitude, who likes to play the victim to undermine the brilliant young woman, who must work extra hard to survive in this merciless universe dominated by men.
In this fine analysis of a couple on the drift, Chloe Domont strives to initially establish a torrid atmosphere conducive to the sexual antics of the two lovers, framing the bodies closely, suggesting a close love. Secondly, while Emily’s work interferes in the couple’s privacy – Campbell allowing himself to consult her in the early morning – and Luke rejects Emily’s advances, the climate of the film becomes more and more more anxiety-provoking, giving the drama an air of neo-noir.
As the lovers move away from each other, the filmmaker brings them together one last time in a scene evoking the evening of their engagement. This time, passion gives way to violence. This powerful scene alone sums up the idea of Fair Play according to which every word you say and every gesture you make can turn against you, even when you yourself are a victim.
In theaters and on Netflix
Drama
Fair Play (v. f.: Fair play)
Chloe Domont
Phoebe Dynevor, Alden Ehrenreich, Eddie Marsan
1:53 a.m.