Fair Play (2023)
A decently acted workplace relationship thriller that goes downhill after the initial action.
Laura’s Rating: 1.5/5 Stars
Plot: Newly engaged Emily and Luke are analysts at a hedge fund where dating a co-worker is against policy. A promotion quickly changes the dynamics of their careers and also their relationship.
Analysis: There are literally no likable characters in this movie. Emily, arguably the least objectionable one, is still cruel at times and perpetuates boys club behavior. She knows how to play the game (aka put up with chauvinistic male bosses and coworkers) and that is supposed to make her a badass. But really it just makes her a jerk like the rest of them. Don’t even get me started on Luke, who is a terrible person with the most fragile ego I’ve ever seen. I wanted his obsession with the self-help course to go somewhere but it fizzled out quickly, making his character arc less interesting than it could have been.
This is not a sexy thriller, it’s just a toxic couple fighting. Emily and Luke’s relationship was horrible and toxic and awful to watch. If Netflix was going for a psychological thriller, then the mind games should have been more interesting. This barely moved beyond simple jealousy and retaliation.
The movie did remind me a little of bit of Don’t Worry Darling, but that interpretation of gender dynamics is lightyears better than Fair Play. I wouldn’t recommend the movie.
Comments