Chloe Domont aims to provoke and shock you with Fair Play.

Thrilling Gender Role Comedy: Fair Play Takes a Hilarious Spin on Psychological Warfare

“It took me a while to sit down and actually decide that this was the story I needed to tell,” confesses Chloe Domont, the mastermind behind the uproarious film Fair Play. Gender roles inspired this hilarious writer-director’s debut, and critics are already raving about its brilliance. No wonder Netflix coughed up a whopping $20 million to secure its release following the Sundance premiere. Brace yourselves, folks!

Meet Emily and Luke, the attractive, romantic, and driven couple at the heart of Fair Play, played by the talented Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich. As they navigate their lives at a cutthroat investment firm, everything seems perfect until Emily snags a coveted promotion. That’s when things take a turn for the hilarious, as Luke spirals into self-pity and pettiness. But what starts as an uncomfortable circumstance spirals into a sidesplitting battle of wits, as both Emily and Luke become victims of the absurd expectations society places on them.

Though Fair Play is firmly rooted in the comedy genre, its scariest moments are incredibly subtle. One particular scene after Emily’s promotion takes the cake. Instead of celebrating, she genuinely apologizes to her boyfriend, expressing remorse for his missed opportunity and even feeling guilty for being worthy of the job. As Chloe Domont explains, “That was the first scene that came to me when writing this. She gets the promotion, and her first reaction isn’t excitement. It’s fear.”

From that point on, the 36-year-old Domont dives headfirst into exploring how fear can torment even the happiest relationships, spice it up with some good old sexism, a demanding boss, and judgmental peers, and voila! You’ve got yourself an absurdly familiar and comically disastrous journey with Fair Play. The film is set to hit theaters on September 29 and will debut on Netflix on October 6. Check out the exclusive trailer below, and keep reading to uncover why Domont felt compelled to create this side-splitting tale of psychological warfare.

Watch the Fair Play Trailer Here

An Interview with the Comedic Mastermind Behind Fair Play

HotSamples: Congratulations on your first feature film! How are you feeling leading up to Fair Play’s theatrical release?

Chloe Domont: I’m beyond thrilled, can’t you tell? It’s been a wild ride to bring this hilarious masterpiece to life. I poured my heart and soul into this movie, and it turned out exactly as I envisioned. Now, I can’t wait to unleash it on a larger audience. The smaller screenings at Sundance and Toronto have been stellar, but I’m eager to witness the world’s reaction.

HotSamples: Tell us about some of the feedback you’ve received so far.

Chloe Domont: Oh, people are on the edge of their seats! They’re hooked, unable to escape the comedy’s grip. But the most exciting part is hearing from women who feel seen in a way they’ve never experienced before. More than just a laugh, Fair Play has spurred reflection and sparked conversations about their own relationships and the absurd dynamics within. I’d like to think I’m doing a public service here, bringing the hilarity of these ridiculous gender-based expectations to light!

HotSamples: When did you realize it was the perfect moment to create this comedy?

Chloe Domont: It hit me when I realized I was normalizing these absurd dynamics within my own relationships. I was downplaying my success, undermining my excitement, all for the sake of appeasing my male partners. Some experiences were subtle, others downright ridiculous, but when the normalization became unbearable, I knew it was time to sound the alarm. We need to talk about this! We all experience these absurdities, and if we want to overcome them, we must acknowledge their existence.

HotSamples: Fair Play hinges on the chemistry between Emily and Luke, which feels incredibly genuine, especially when they’re at their worst. How did you find the perfect actors for these hilarious roles?

Chloe Domont: Oh, it was a painstaking process, but I struck comedy gold! Emily is a rising star in the financial world, so I needed an actor who exuded the same brilliant potential. Phoebe Dynevor, fresh off her success in Bridgerton, fit the bill perfectly. There was a buzz around her, and I sensed that her transition to the big screen would be a riot. I watched the Bridgerton pilot and was completely captivated by her performance. The vulnerability, fierceness, and comedic timing she displayed sealed the deal.

As for Alden, I’ve been a fan since Hail, Caesar! I wanted someone unexpected for this role, and he fit the bill perfectly. His confidence as an actor, coupled with his willingness to tap into the character’s insecurities, made him the ideal choice.

HotSamples: Were there any improvised scenes on set?

Chloe Domont: While most of the film stuck to the meticulously honed script, I did give Alden some freedom to sprinkle in his comedic genius. After nailing a scene, I’d yell, “Have a free one!” He’d deviate slightly, tossing in a line or experimenting with gestures, and we integrated some of those hilarious moments into the final film.

HotSamples: Besides the laughs, what else were you hoping to achieve with Fair Play?

Chloe Domont: Laughter was just the beginning. I wanted to create a rollercoaster of hilarity that would simultaneously shock, move, and mortify the audience. But beneath the comedic surface, I aimed to explore important questions about our world. Can we break free from the toxic link between female empowerment and male fragility? Can we demystify these unrealistic roles society has ingrained in men and women? And most importantly, can we learn to love and trust each other despite these ridiculous societal expectations? It’s time to shake things up and bring these issues to light, all while making people laugh until their sides hurt!

HotSamples: This sounds like such an important film. How has it resonated with people?

Chloe Domont: Exactly! We’re living in progressive times, yet these gender dynamics persist. It affects all of us, across generations. That’s precisely why I made Fair Play. It’s become harder to discuss these issues openly because no one wants to admit they’re happening. Men won’t admit they feel intimidated by their successful female partners, and women, like me, were afraid to confront the reality. But I realized, this comedy had to be made. It’s time to expose the absurdity and have a good laugh while doing it!

HotSamples: How do you envision a future where these dynamics are less prevalent? How do we tackle this issue head-on?

Chloe Domont: It’s a monumental task that requires societal and systemic change. We all strive for a modern, feminist society, yet our masculine ideals remain entrenched. We need to redefine masculinity as an energy, not an identity. Once we break free from these preconceived gender roles, we can move forward. It won’t be easy, but with laughter and open conversations, we can conquer these societal absurdities and create a more equitable and hilarious world!

About the Comedic Mastermind

Bria McNeal: Associate Staff Writer

Bria McNeal is a Manhattan-based journalist who’s patiently awaiting the revival of B5. When she’s not writing about all things entertainment, she can be found watching TV or attempting absurd DIY projects. Her work has appeared in NYLON, Refinery29, HotSamples, and her personal newsletter, StirCrazy.

Chloe Domont aims to provoke and shock you with Fair Play.