[2] Set in Czechoslovakia in 1983, the film tells the story of Anna, a sprinter who is hoping to compete in the Olympics, and is selected into the national team.

Anna's father escaped Czechoslovakia for the West which takes a toll of her mother's career, as she is unable to find any decent job.

She also has contacts with her former love Marek, a political dissident for whom she types the essays which are considered hostile to the government, causing her more trouble with the secret service agents.

[5] Judit Bárdos and Eva Josefíková went through athletic training for six months prior to filming, in order to be able to perform the running scenes realistically.

[7] Stephen Dalton of The Hollywood Reporter gave Fair Play a positive review, calling it " a gripping tale of grace under pressure".