Fair Play (2023)

Solid Relationship Drama - Fair Play review by GI

A well constructed and gratifying relationship psychodrama that has some clumsy narrative swings including one near the end that I didn't think fitted very well but overall this is an entertaining and very well made film. Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Edrenreich) are an in love couple preparing their future together but who both happen to work for a cutthroat hedge fund firm in Wall Street. Firm policy means they keep their relationship a secret but things begin to unravel when Emily gets a promotion that Luke thought was rightfully his. This has the effect of slowly eroding his self confidence, his sexual prowess, increasing his jealousy and killing his very masculinity made even more damaged when Emily offers to try and help him get the next promotion as if he can't do this on his own merits. His mental decline drives the narrative towards destruction forcing Emily to make some bad decisions that affects her relationship with her boss (Eddie Marsan). As a story of toxic masculinity badly wounded by the simple issue of a woman being cleverer and more successful than the man this is a strong story. It works brilliantly in showing Luke's gradual decline but occasionally steps a little too far in Emily's story arc especially the final scene which, for me didn't really sit with the narrative. Overall this is a watchable, well acted and interesting film.