Fair Play is an erotic thriller that follows Luke and Emily, a newly-engaged couple (played by Cocaine Bear's Alden Ehrenreich and Bridgerton star, Phoebe Dynevor) whose power dynamic suddenly shifts after one of them receives a highly-prized promotion. After a limited theatrical release, the film is now streaming on Netflix.
Written and directed by Chloe Domont (in her feature debut), the film transports us to the offices of One Crest Capital, a fast-paced hedge fund where both of our leads work side-by-side. Billed as a film that 'unravels the uncomfortable collision of empowerment and ego', Fair Play is a twisty, tense thriller that you won't want to miss.
Here's what you need to know about Fair Play.
Fair Play release date
Fair Play is now available to stream on Netflix, after hitting the streaming service on October 6. Prior to its home release, the movie received a limited theatrical release on September 29.
It originally premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2023, and it would up being one of the most talked-about films from the line-up.
For more info about the new releases coming your way for the rest of the year, check out our guide to the biggest new movies on the horizon.
Fair Play plot
Netflix's synopsis for Fair Play reads: "When a coveted promotion at a cutthroat financial firm arises, once supportive exchanges between lovers Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) begin to sour into something more sinister.
"As the power dynamics irrevocably shift in their relationship, the couple must face the true price of success and the unnerving limits of ambition.
"In her feature debut, writer-director Chloe Domont weaves a taut relationship thriller, staring down the destructive gender dynamics that pit partners against each other in a world that is transforming faster than the rules can keep up. Also starring Eddie Marsan, Rich Sommer, and Sebastian De Souza, Fair Play unravels the uncomfortable collision of empowerment and ego."
Talking about her inspiration for the film with Vanity Fair, Chloe Domont revealed that the film was inspired by her earlier years in the film industry, including a similarly rocky relationship. "Why is it that even today, with all the progress that we've made, a man's success is a win for the relationship, but when it's the other way around, it feels like a threat? It felt like something that so many of us experience but are afraid to talk about and to confront", she said.
Fair Play reviews
Fair Play has reviewed pretty well, so far! At the time of writing, Fair Play is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 87% Critics Rating and an Audience Rating just a few points lower at 83%.
Observer rated the film 3.5/4, praising the performances and arguing 'You want not part of this story in real life, but it's so much fun to watch'.
Empire labeled the film 'a slickly made tale of twisted love that keeps you holding your breath until the end'.
Who's in the Fair Play cast?
As we mentioned, Fair Play stars Alden Ehrenreich (Cocaine Bear, Solo) and Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton, Bank of Dave) as the warring couple, Luke and Emily.
Talking about her first reaction to the film's screenplay with Queue, Dynevor said: "I think my initial reaction, honestly, was just silence. It spoke to me in a way that no script really ever has."
Ehrenreich added: "When I first read the script, I was really struck by how personal it felt. You can kind of feel when a writer is writing something that is born out of their actual experience."
In addition, the film also features Eddie Marsan as their boss, Campbell, and Rich Sommer as Paul and Sebastian De Souza as Rory, two other portfolio managers at the office.
Is there a trailer?
A new Fair Play trailer arrived on September 26, and it's just as intense as the first. Quickly, the pair go from being a happy, lucky-in-love couple to two warring, high-flying finance workers.
You can also find the original trailer from earlier in the year below:
