Director Chloe Domont‘s feature directorial debut, Fair Play, delves into the tumultuous intersection of love and ambition in the high-stakes world of a cutthroat hedge fund. With a compelling narrative and notable performances by Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich, the film offers a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by a young couple when their career ambitions clash. While Fair Play boasts several commendable aspects, it ultimately falls short of achieving greatness.

The Good:

Phoebe Dynevor shines as Emily, a driven and intelligent financial analyst who finds herself unexpectedly promoted to a high-pressure position at the hedge fund. Her portrayal of a woman navigating the treacherous waters of the male-dominated finance industry is both convincing and engaging. Dynevor conveys the character’s determination and vulnerability with nuance, making Emily a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

Opposite Dynevor, Alden Ehrenreich delivers a solid performance as Luke, Emily’s fiancé. Luke, an aspiring artist, struggles to balance his creative aspirations with Emily’s relentless pursuit of success in finance. Ehrenreich captures Luke’s frustration and self-doubt, making him a character the audience can empathize with. The chemistry between Dynevor and Ehrenreich is palpable, and their on-screen relationship feels authentic, adding depth to the film’s emotional core.

Chloe Domont’s direction in Fair Play is competent for a debut feature. She skillfully creates an atmosphere of tension and competition within the hedge fund setting, using sharp cinematography and a pulsating soundtrack to underscore the characters’ high-stakes world. Domont’s choice to frame many scenes in tight, claustrophobic spaces effectively conveys the characters’ feeling of being trapped by their circumstances.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its willingness to explore the complexities of ambition and the toll it takes on personal relationships. The screenplay, penned by Domont, offers a thoughtful examination of the sacrifices individuals make in pursuit of their goals. Emily’s rapid ascent in the hedge fund world puts immense pressure on her relationship with Luke, and the film skillfully portrays the emotional strain that results.

Fair Play is at its best when it delves into the psychology of its characters, particularly Emily. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying her as a flawed and ambitious protagonist who is not always likable. This authenticity adds depth to her character and elevates the film’s exploration of ambition and its consequences.

The film’s resolution, without giving away spoilers, is bittersweet and thought-provoking. It reflects the compromises and choices people make when faced with seemingly irreconcilable differences in their aspirations. While it may not provide a neatly wrapped-up conclusion, it leaves room for contemplation and discussion, which is a testament to the film’s willingness to tackle complex themes.

The Bad:

However, Fair Play stumbles in its pacing and narrative development. The film occasionally drags, with some scenes feeling repetitive as they hammer home the central conflict between Emily’s career ambitions and Luke’s artistic dreams. While this repetition may reflect the cyclical nature of the couple’s arguments, it becomes tiresome and disrupts the overall flow of the story.

Furthermore, the supporting characters in Fair Play often feel one-dimensional and underdeveloped. The film introduces a cast of colleagues and mentors from Emily’s workplace, but they remain peripheral figures who lack depth and fail to contribute significantly to the central narrative. Expanding on these characters could have added more layers to the story and enriched the exploration of Emily’s professional world.

While the cinematography here effectively captures the intensity of the hedge fund environment, there are moments when the film’s visual style feels uninspired. Some scenes lack the creativity and innovation one might expect from a film exploring the world of finance and art. A more distinct visual identity could have enhanced the overall impact of the movie.

Overall:

Fair Play is a commendable debut for director Chloe Domont, offering an insightful exploration of ambition and its impact on personal relationships. Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich deliver strong performances, portraying characters with depth and authenticity. However, the film suffers from pacing issues, underdeveloped supporting characters, and occasional visual blandness. Despite its flaws, Fair Play succeeds in sparking important conversations about love, ambition, and the difficult choices individuals must make. It’s a film that leaves viewers with much to ponder.