Fair Play (2023)
Chloe Domont's Fair Play is a modern warning and examination regarding gender and power. Set in an intensely competitive male-dominated hedge fund where the young Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) has got a promotion over her fiancé Luke (Alden Ehrenreich), Fair Play explores the modern identity of women as they are forced to not only assimilate to find their places in testosterone-filled spaces while also being expected to maintain a supporting role in their relationship. Incredibly tense with some of the most emotionally poignant performances in recent memory, Fair Play stands tall as an early contender for any best of 2023 list.
Within Fair Play is a wonderful understanding of the complexities within the relationship between the modern feminist movement and the historic gender inequality that has plagued American society. Both directed and written by Chloe Domont who is able to bring an authentic view of this world through, presumably, her own experiences, Fair Play is one of the more rewarding features when it comes to perspective and purpose. While nice tales of women overcoming the odds and rising through the ranks of a male-centered environment can be a liberating and worthwhile watch in its own right, it is also important to highlight the darker reality that some women still experience. There still are plenty of spaces where women are subject to misogyny and toxic masculinity with a war against the system not always being an effective path forwards. Sometimes, women are forced to accept these faults and push on with a radical change in identity and presence. This is the metamorphosis that Emily experiences with her having no other way to survive or grow.
While this might work for Emily, this undeniably complicates things for Luke. Luke is a figure that claims he wants the best for Emily and wants to support her for every moment of growth and accomplishment. As Emily changes, however, Luke begins to lose sight of the woman he knew and fell in love with. While one can feel empathy for Luke in this response, one also cannot blame Emily as she is left with no other choice due to her situation. However, Luke is far from an innocent character. Seeing Emily's success, Luke turns to jealousy and lashes out claiming that he is a victim for having to give up his dreams and spot to allow Emily to have her career and success. This is a contradiction to the more supportive feminist identity Luke claims to hold close which speaks in a larger sense to the modern contradictions surrounding some men and their feminist identities. It is clear that the narrative of Fair Play is one of complexity and thought that demands to be explored and understood with genuine thoughts of value and reward being shared with those who do engage with the film.
When it comes to execution of these ideas, the film finds arguably even greater success. Phoebe Dynevor gives a breakout performance as Emily with a tremendous amount of frustration, anger, and vulnerability all on display. Dynevor is a sympathetic character who also never feels weak or powerless. The film allows Emily to have faults, but always is able to tie them into a larger connection of empathy which Dynevor excels in nurturing. Alden Ehrenreich is also absolutely incredible with the switch between sadness and anger within his performance being truly masterful. Together, both Dynevor and Ehrenreich have wonderful chemistry and their intensity, which grows up until the grand climax of the feature, creates a palpable feeling relatable to other recent cinematic outings such as Emma Seligman's Shiva Baby.
The filmmaking itself also proves to be impressive as Chloe Domont impresses greatly in her directorial debut. The film carries a clean craft and tension that puts the audience on edge and doesn't let go as the film only grows more and more combustible. The direction is clearly thought out and is thoughtful as Domont navigates a story that so easily could have become problematic or underwhelming. Helping along the way is the cinematography by Menno Mans and the score Brian McOmber which both broods with clinical uneasiness.
When it comes to the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, no film stands out quite as much as Fair Play. Not only showcasing a masterful effort of filmmaking by Chloe Domont, but also a powerhouse duo of wickedness in Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich, Fair Play is a breakout hit of the festival and feels destined to be considered one of the best films of 2023
Within Fair Play is a wonderful understanding of the complexities within the relationship between the modern feminist movement and the historic gender inequality that has plagued American society. Both directed and written by Chloe Domont who is able to bring an authentic view of this world through, presumably, her own experiences, Fair Play is one of the more rewarding features when it comes to perspective and purpose. While nice tales of women overcoming the odds and rising through the ranks of a male-centered environment can be a liberating and worthwhile watch in its own right, it is also important to highlight the darker reality that some women still experience. There still are plenty of spaces where women are subject to misogyny and toxic masculinity with a war against the system not always being an effective path forwards. Sometimes, women are forced to accept these faults and push on with a radical change in identity and presence. This is the metamorphosis that Emily experiences with her having no other way to survive or grow.
While this might work for Emily, this undeniably complicates things for Luke. Luke is a figure that claims he wants the best for Emily and wants to support her for every moment of growth and accomplishment. As Emily changes, however, Luke begins to lose sight of the woman he knew and fell in love with. While one can feel empathy for Luke in this response, one also cannot blame Emily as she is left with no other choice due to her situation. However, Luke is far from an innocent character. Seeing Emily's success, Luke turns to jealousy and lashes out claiming that he is a victim for having to give up his dreams and spot to allow Emily to have her career and success. This is a contradiction to the more supportive feminist identity Luke claims to hold close which speaks in a larger sense to the modern contradictions surrounding some men and their feminist identities. It is clear that the narrative of Fair Play is one of complexity and thought that demands to be explored and understood with genuine thoughts of value and reward being shared with those who do engage with the film.
When it comes to execution of these ideas, the film finds arguably even greater success. Phoebe Dynevor gives a breakout performance as Emily with a tremendous amount of frustration, anger, and vulnerability all on display. Dynevor is a sympathetic character who also never feels weak or powerless. The film allows Emily to have faults, but always is able to tie them into a larger connection of empathy which Dynevor excels in nurturing. Alden Ehrenreich is also absolutely incredible with the switch between sadness and anger within his performance being truly masterful. Together, both Dynevor and Ehrenreich have wonderful chemistry and their intensity, which grows up until the grand climax of the feature, creates a palpable feeling relatable to other recent cinematic outings such as Emma Seligman's Shiva Baby.
The filmmaking itself also proves to be impressive as Chloe Domont impresses greatly in her directorial debut. The film carries a clean craft and tension that puts the audience on edge and doesn't let go as the film only grows more and more combustible. The direction is clearly thought out and is thoughtful as Domont navigates a story that so easily could have become problematic or underwhelming. Helping along the way is the cinematography by Menno Mans and the score Brian McOmber which both broods with clinical uneasiness.
When it comes to the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, no film stands out quite as much as Fair Play. Not only showcasing a masterful effort of filmmaking by Chloe Domont, but also a powerhouse duo of wickedness in Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich, Fair Play is a breakout hit of the festival and feels destined to be considered one of the best films of 2023