Review: Chloe Domont’s ‘Fair Play’ Poignantly Tackles Gender Politics
by Manuel São Bento
October 24, 2023
One of the main reasons why the Sundance Film Festival is so popular amongst cinephiles is the total focus on purely indie stories, often handled by first-time directors, writers, actors, and many others pursuing their dreams. Fair Play was highly acclaimed at this year’s edition of the event (here’s Alex’s review), continuing to collect positive reactions during its festival run throughout the year. As it has finally made its streaming debut on Netflix worldwide, I approached it with somewhat high expectations, hoping that Chloe Domont’s feature directorial debut deserved the hype. Domont delves into complex gender dynamics, highlighting the biases faced by successful women in various fields, shining a light on the challenges of couples working side by side in a tense big city thriller that builds up to an admittedly divisive ending. Independently of each viewer’s position regarding this conclusion, it’s the careful study and respective messages that really matter.
The film presents a thought-provoking story underscoring the many disparities women encounter on their journey to success. It raises important questions about the expectations placed on women to excel beyond the ordinary to achieve recognition, while men’s accomplishments often receive recognition based solely on their professional competence. In a world where women are continually held to different standards, Fair Play poignantly portrays the challenges they confront. Their achievements, even when remarkable, are often overshadowed by the stereotype that women must consistently go beyond what is expected – leading to prejudiced sexual comments – to be seen as truly successful. Domont fiercly underlines the importance of dismantling such biases and the urgent need for equal recognition based on merit rather than gender.
Nevertheless, the movie’s core is found in the intricate and intimate dynamics of the romantic protagonists, Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich). As their jobs gradually have an impact on their once perfect but now crumbling harmony, the disruptive insecurities faced by couples who are navigating the same career path emerge. Fair Play tackles intriguing issues about what it means for a man when his partner, who shares the same professional ambitions, achieves her goals before he does, just like it depicts what a woman may feel when her counterpart begins to treat her differently due to the new status.
Domont goes into the psychological landscape of such scenarios, depicting the vulnerabilities and pressures both may experience: men when they find themselves in the supportive role or playing second fiddle, and women when they’re the breadwinner and person in charge. The narrative paints a vivid, relatable portrait of the perils faced by couples who share a professional space, working side by side or even operating under one another. It serves as a reminder the journey of love & ambition is often filled with unexpected obstacles, and Fair Play does a commendable job of portraying these nuances. That is, until the crazy ending…
The initial stages of the film seductively draw viewers into a world of steamy sensuality and intrigue. The sizzling dynamics of Emily and Luke serve as a captivating backdrop, leaving audiences eager to discover when their professional ambitions will ultimately encroach upon their personal connection. However, it’s within this climactic crescendo that Fair Play undergoes a dramatic transformation. The movie sheds its earlier precision and dives headlong into a sea of chaos, unshackling from the previously controlled levels of tension. Domont abandons subtlety for on-the-nose messaging, and characters turn increasingly shrill. Shocking moments unfold, seemingly for the sake of shock value, leaving viewers with a sense of dissonance.
It’s not a completely unexpected turn, and far from nonsensical, which many male viewers will say to try and defend their gender as if the film is an attack on men. Nowadays, something like what is shown in the final moments of the movie is nothing truly surprising to encounter anymore. The problem is how highly sensitive topics related to domestic violence and sexual abuse are introduced. Domont abruptly dives into troubling territory, and quickly escalates situations, disrupting the narrative’s overall balance. Fair Play was clearly building up to a strong third act, but making both characters act out risks alienating audiences, leaving a jarring aftertaste and raising questions about the film’s intended message.
In the end, it doesn’t hurt Fair Play as much as one may fear. A final remark to the dedicated performances. Dyvenor (best known from Bridgerton) delivers a gripping display, embodying her character with full commitment, and sharing palpable chemistry with Ehrenreich. Certainly it is one of the most memorable performances of the year. Her counterpart is also quite good, although occasionally veering into the over-the-top territory, especially as the story and character become progressively more intense near the end. Both carry Domont’s thematic messages expertly, contributing to an extremely satisfying viewing that, indeed, warrants the positive feedback it has been receiving so far.
Final Thoughts
Fair Play is an emotionally charged exploration of love, ambition, and gender dynamics. Writer / director Chloe Domont thoughtfully addresses these themes, highlighting biases faced by successful women, the personal challenges of couples working in the same space, and the inevitable vulnerabilities that arise from these scenarios. The dedicated performances from Phoebe Dyvenor and Alden Ehrenreich make it a gripping viewing experience, emphasizing the film’s thought-provoking messages about gender politics and seeking equal recognition based on merit rather than gender. And the dramatic conclusion warrants heated debate…
Manuel’s Rating: A-
Follow Manuel on Twitter – @msbreviews / Or Letterboxd – @msbreviews
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