Fair Play (2023)
Fair Play is a mix of psychological thriller and drama. It follows a couple who work and live together in New York, but things take a dark turn when there’s a promotion they both want. Right from the start, we’re reeled in with a steamy, Tarantino-esque sex scene that sets the tone for their intense chemistry.
At first, Emily and Luke’s relationship feels playful and passionate, making it easy to root for them. But as the film progresses, you start to wonder if their connection is built on anything deeper than attraction. This lack of clarity mirrors the early stages of many relationships, where chemistry can overshadow compatibility and red flags are overlooked.
Throughout the film, Chloe Domont captures the subtleties of abusive relationships, especially the moments that make people stay—the sweet, intense connections that create a false sense of unity. The way we’re introduced to Emily and Luke mirrors how many toxic relationships begin: with surface-level attraction and unexamined dynamics. For example, the scene right after they get engaged is so telling. Sidebar: the engagement scene—ahh! Could you imagine being proposed to like that? What would you say? Anyway, Emily and Luke go to work the next day and instantly shift from lovers to coworkers. No one at their company even knows they’re living together! At first, I let this slide because it seemed like a mutual decision. Honestly, I’d probably agree to keep a work relationship private too, especially if my career was my top priority. But as the story unfolds, it’s clear they never re-evaluated or discussed how to move forward as an engaged couple. That’s strange. Keeping the relationship a secret might have worked at first, but healthy dynamics require openness and communication—both of which are lacking here. Their secrecy highlights how much their relationship is focused on sexual chemistry rather than emotional intimacy.
What I love about Fair Play is how it focuses less on physical abuse and more on the subtle, silent killers of relationships. It explores the moments when we start realizing our self-worth and decide what we will and won’t accept. As the sweet moments of their relationship become intertwined with darker dynamics, you start questioning when it all began to sour. Were Luke’s envy and resentment always there, just hidden? For example, Luke makes an offhand comment about choosing a promotion over his fiancée. Emily brushes it off as a joke, but in hindsight, it’s a glaring red flag. It’s one of those moments that could have revealed a lot if taken seriously, but Emily chooses to keep the peace—maybe to avoid conflict or maybe because she convinced herself she wanted the same thing.
Flaws and all, I absolutely love Emily’s character. She’s powerful, multifaceted, and full of contradictions, which makes her so relatable. Despite her impressive background and resilience, it’s heartbreaking to see her settle for someone as mediocre as Luke. It leaves you wondering: Why is someone so smart and successful accepting this kind of love? Emily, love yourself. Leave him.
Emily’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-worth and the courage it takes to reclaim your life. While she’s not without her flaws, she remains strong, determined, and self-assured in the face of immense challenges. Her story highlights the resilience it takes to navigate and overcome an abusive relationship. It also underscores how having a career—and the autonomy it provides—can be a lifeline for women in toxic situations.
Fair Play also exposes the higher, often double, standards women face when competing with male peers. Luke’s behavior toward Emily is a prime example. It’s infuriating to watch his perception of her shift as she goes from analyst and partner to his boss. His comment about her appearance making her an inferior leader was particularly maddening. How do you completely disregard someone’s exceptional skills and the millions of dollars they’ve made for a company because of how they present themselves?
Luke’s reaction to Emily’s demanding new role was equally frustrating. When they were both analysts, late nights weren’t an issue. But as soon as Emily became a PM, her long hours suddenly became a problem. This was most apparent when she took a late-night call from the company’s owner, and Luke lashed out, demanding she set boundaries. It’s clear his concern wasn’t about her well-being but his own insecurities. It makes you wonder: What if the roles were reversed? How would Luke handle the same pressures, and how would Emily react? And why does it feel like the outcome would be completely different?
It’s also worth acknowledging that Luke’s comment about Emily’s lack of work boundaries had some truth to it—even if his delivery was all wrong. I’ve been guilty of pulling late nights in hopes of being recognized and rewarded, and it can feel isolating. Capitalist work culture often pushes us to compete not only with colleagues but also with ourselves, tallying "green flags" and "red flags," weighing pros and cons, and staying in situations out of fear of failure. Instead of tackling problems collaboratively, with fair communication and mutual respect, we’re often stuck in unhealthy patterns.
In Emily and Luke’s case, their conversations rarely felt like true dialogue. Luke dominated the discussions, focusing on his grievances while using critical language toward Emily. When she tried to address issues about their dynamic, he dismissed or ignored her, further highlighting the imbalance in their communication.
Throughout the film, Emily refuses to play the victim. She demonstrates both kindness and strength as she confronts Luke’s toxicity head-on. The final scene is my favorite confrontation. Watching Emily fully embrace her emotions and deliver the blunt, honest talking-to that Luke’s mother clearly never gave him was immensely satisfying and the perfect way to end the movie.
One of the most powerful aspects of Fair Play is how it broadens the societal definition of abuse to include a wider range of experiences. It examines not just how we end up in relationships that no longer serve us but also why we stay in them, often shaped by societal pressures and personal fears.
The film also critiques capitalist work culture, which fosters relentless ambition and competition at the expense of well-being and relationships. For women like Emily, the double standards are glaring: she’s expected to excel in her demanding career while navigating criticism for how she presents herself or the boundaries she sets (or doesn’t). These societal expectations place women in an impossible position, forcing them to balance professional ambition with the need to be “likable” and accommodating, even in the face of disrespect.
Ultimately, Fair Play dives deep into the complexities of love, ambition, and abuse. It offers viewers a chance to reflect on their own experiences, questioning the societal norms and personal compromises that shape relationships and careers. Fair Play offers space for viewers to find strength in Emily’s resilience, leaving you with a sense of empowerment and the reminder that reclaiming your agency is always worth it. For those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally charged story, this film is a must-watch.
Written and Directed by - Chloe Domont
