Fair Play is a film I first read about in an entertainment article earlier this year. Describing the movie as a throwback, the writer pondered whether Fair Play could usher in a new era of erotic thrillers. Fast-forward months later, when Netflix acquired the rights, giving it a short theatrical release. Netflix often does this when they see awards potential in a project. Oscar buzz has already started for many other films this year. So, can Fair Play compete?
First, an overview. Fair Play follows Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich), two Wall Street investors in a secret romantic relationship, breaking company policy. A rift between them forms when their boss Campbell (Eddie Marsan) promotes Emily over Luke. What follows is a slowburn. Considering this is most of the film, it would be best to categorize Fair Play as a drama. Fortunately, the plot makes sense to a Wall Street outsider.
This portion of the film demands patience as we learn more about the two lead characters. They work in a heartless field where you’re only worth as much as your last deal. As a woman in a male dominated job, the environment is particularly hostile for Emily. There is a payoff to all this waiting, as the actors later get to show their chops. Both Dynevor and Ehrenreich impress, with a certain scene between Luke and Campbell standing out. If the film garners any major nominations, it’ll be for acting.
Fair Play comes out at an interesting time. Franchise films dominate the landscape almost exclusively. It’s a far cry from 1994, when Disclosure won big at the box office (not that Disclosure is a great film). The fact that this film is on Netflix is telling. There is also an ongoing debate online about the value of sex scenes. On the surface, the argument against depicting sex is silly. Why limit storytellers with what they’re allowed to depict? At the same time, there is a quite a lot of it in Fair Play. Sex is the key component of Emily and Luke’s relationship. They rarely bond on an emotional level. That’s probably the point.
Recommending a film like this is difficult. It ends in a dark place. Most people want escapism from their entertainment. Suffering can be off-putting. Still, filmmakers deserve the freedom to go to those uncomfortable places if they do it with care. If you miss old school erotic thrillers of yesteryear, this movie might be for you. Or maybe you want to challenge yourself. I don’t blame anyone if they’re not interested.
We need more movies for adults, but this might not be the one to lead the way.
