Phoebe Dynevor delves deep into her connection with her character in ‘Fair Play,’ spotlighting gender inequality and her journey in the entertainment industry.

Table of Contents

Finding Herself in Emily

In a heartfelt discussion with ELLE in their October feature, Phoebe Dynevor revealed how deeply she resonated with her role as Emily in the psychological thriller ‘Fair Play.’

“I saw so much of myself in her,” Dynevor confessed, alluding to the myriad challenges that women like herself encounter both in their professional spheres and personal relationships.

Taking on a Role with a Message

Having taken part in ‘Fair Play,’ Dynevor aims to contribute, even if minutely, to the ongoing discourse on gender inequality and the violence women endure in their workplaces and relationships.

Dynevor remarked, “Every woman I know, it is their experience in this world. Moreover, with any film with a message, you want it to start a conversation.”

The movie sees Dynevor’s character, Emily, secretly engaged to her colleague Luke, portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich.

Emily’s unexpected professional elevation disrupts their work dynamics and highlights the complications women face when they outshine their male partners.

Preparing for Emily and Channeling Personal Experiences

To truly step into Emily’s shoes, Dynevor took a deep dive into finance, turning to books like Hedge Funds for Dummies and conversing with male finance professionals.

However, her journey in the male-dominated entertainment industry truly gave her the insight she needed.

“There is an extra pressure being a woman in this industry, but I also think that it motivates me to work on stuff like Fair Play,” she voiced.

Speaking Up on Modern Feminism and Societal Changes

Boldly addressing the slow pace of societal transformation concerning women’s rights and the #MeToo movement, Dynevor stated: “We have this idea that the world is so progressive, but there is still so much progress to be made.”

She delved deeper into the conflict between modern feminism and traditional masculinity, noting the polarizing opinions dominating societal conversations.

While Dynevor refrained from pinpointing specific incidents from her own life, she affirmed that her experiences mirror those of countless other women in the industry.

Connecting with Emily’s Sacrifices

Perhaps the most poignant part of her discussion revolved around Emily’s sacrifices to preserve Luke’s masculinity.

“Emily is trying to make herself small to make him feel masculine,” Dynevor shared, drawing parallels to her own life where she too often dimmed her light to appease others.

However, approaching her 30s, Dynevor feels a shift in perspective.

“As you age, you get a wider perspective on things. You start to understand your purpose more,” she concluded, signaling hope for personal growth and societal change.