There is a lot going on in “Fair Play,” a confident and compelling drama from writer/director Chloe Domont.

Her first feature film deftly tackles the dynamics of relationships in the work place and the double standards that arise in those settings – a story that is as complex as the themes the film chooses to examine.

Anchored by strong work from Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich it is hard not to be drawn into “Fair Play” – even as the film becomes more and more uncomfortable to watch.

“Fair Play” opens with a seemingly happy couple Emily (Dynevor) and Luke (Ehrenreich) getting engaged. But we soon learn the relationship isn’t without some hurdles – mainly a strict no-dating policy at the financial firm they both work for.

This forces the couple to live a double-life, a happy couple at home but respectful co-workers at the office. When Emily receives a promotion that Luke was hoping to get, both relationships start to fracture with Emily now his superior at work.

As Emily becomes more entrenched in her new position, Luke grows more frustrated and jealously starts to creep in, threatening to not only destroy the work relationship, but the engagement as well.

Domont plays the story as a slow simmer, with the audience waiting for the eventual eruption. It’s obvious from the moment Emily is promoted that Luke is not going to respond well and as “Fair Play” evolves that sense of doom in the relationship plays out in a fascinating manner.

Watching Emily find her way in management in a cutthroat business is thrilling enough – a strong storyline that really showcases Dynevor’s complex performance. This is a woman who is having to re-invent herself on the fly, proving she can be just as ruthless as the men she has to work with. This includes a demanding boss (Eddie Marsen in a memorable supporting turn) who we eventually learn doesn’t see Luke in the best of lights.

But Dumont doesn’t just stop with the workplace dynamics, adding more tension with the relationship between the two leads. Luke’s initial support is clearly a facade that is quickly cracked when he begins to realize his status in the firm is nowhere near where he thought it was – all the while watching Emily become more and more entrenched in her new position.

It all builds to a final crescendo that may not quite erupt as strongly as the build up, but it is still a solid conclusion to a compelling big screen debut for Dumont.

Starring: Phoebe Dynevor, Alden Ehrenreich

Directed by: Chloe Domont

Rating: R for pervasive language, sexual content, some nudity, and sexual violence

Playing at: Available for streaming on Netflix

Grade: B+