IR Film Review: FAIR PLAY [Netflix]
Jealousy can bite in a context of misery but the way "Fair Play" moves the game is undeniable, truthful and murky at the same time. It takes an older story of love in the workplace compounded by competitiveness and ups it for the new era. Phoebe Dynevor, known for her role in "Bridgerton", is fantastic here with a bit of Demi Moore in "Disclosure" vibes but with a very different approach from the other side. The opening coda of the movie is meant to offset the viewer almost to a different movie then it yanks you back the following morning into something wholly different which includes gender dynamics, power struggles, jealousy and intent thrown on its head. Alden Ehrenreich is obviously an interesting choice (and his choices overall are interesting). His is not a likable character. You can see his perspective and Dynevor's character is not completely in the right either but he is dynamically wrong. Watching that approach and the different choices unravel is what makes this movie in terms of its pinpoints intriguing to watch.
As sexual dynamics in general continue to change in modern society, people with the best credentials rise to top but there is still an underlying line of sexism that seems to purvey, whether it mentioned or in modern pop culture. Writer/Director Chloe Dormont doesn't shy away from bringing attention to different facets of this but leans into them as a matter of perspective. Everyone has their needs and their agendas. Some are just pushed past their breaking point. Some people aren't meant for success but it depends how they deal with it. "Promising Young Woman" did something similar in a different context but it is the sure hand of Domont here knowing what she wanted to show and the actors she picked in her leads being able to deliver it. Power and compromise are part of the game but as one of the pair keeps making incorrect decisions, it shows where the best person lies.
Eddie Marsan and Rich Sommer (of "Mad Men" fame) provide a backdrop but Marsan gives an undeniably interesting and correct read which makes a bit of difference. It is not about if it is a man or a woman. It is about money. If you are good and have the right instincts, you will go far. If you are a favor and you are not meant for the stratosphere, that will show too. And if you screw up, wrath comes your way no matter what. The movie makes that strong comeuppance. Failure knows no bedfellows. And as we have seen many times in the past years, this is becoming a more relevant and occurring topic. "Fair Play" just a story into that discussion with two characters in a specific situation that they need to deal with based on who they are and how they play it. Whether it is putting on a brave face, knowing how to play with the boys or just stopping BS where it stands, "Fair Play" makes some vivid points. And because the writing is so pinpoint and sliced, it is also not necessarily about the broad strokes but those particular moments in intiminate scenes, whether personal or professional that really strike. This is of course buoyed by two performers at great level currently not afraid to take chances despite past successes. A-
By Tim Wassberg
