Fancy Dance

Erica Tremblay's direction in this film is both powerful and emotional, shedding light on the clash between traditional laws and bureaucratic forces. The special connection that aboriginal people have with their families and laws is portrayed vividly. However, the unnecessary inclusion of a lesbian subplot seems to be part of a larger agenda for cultural manipulation.

Lily Gladstone's ability to film this project during breaks from "Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)" showcases her dedication to her craft. The film's slow build-up sets the tone effectively, but it falters in the middle by losing its grip on the audience. Nevertheless, the final act brings everything together beautifully, especially in depicting the special relationship between the aunt and her niece.

While "Fancy Dance" may not be a cheerful tale, it is undeniably significant. For those seeking a well-acted and compelling drama, this film comes highly recommended.

I was really emotionally invested throughout this film, thanks to a very well thought-out, impactful script and a rock-solid, anchoring performance by the fantastic Lilly Gladstone.

Don't go into this film expecting to find a cheery or even hopeful exploration of Native American identity and family connections - this is at times an exceedingly bleak and nasty examination of barely hidden racism, misogyny and harsh reality in modern day middle America.

It's a fantastic story backed up by realistic and interesting characters with a very well done script.

But I do have to state quite a significant negative of the film in my own personal opinion - a very sudden and unexpected ending. I was invested in these characters and their situation. I wanted to see the story resolved... But then it just went off. It really did feel that they just decided to cut out the last five or ten minutes of the film. It was a surprisingly shocking and unsatisfying way to end this particular story. Show the audience the consequences at least in a very minor way but don't leave it completely up to the imagination, that's just not the type of film this was.

Greetings again from the darkness. A missing person story takes on additional weight when it involves a Native American, and this story from writer-director Erica Tremblay ("Dark Winds") and co-writer Miciana Alise show us how culture and traditions remain vital to the family ties indigenous people struggle to maintain in the face of institutional hurdles.

The missing person is stripper Tawi, who is Jax's sister and Roki's mother. The feds, who have jurisdiction, have shown little interest in locating Tawi, and local law enforcement, including Jax's half-brother JJ (Ryan Begay, "Dark Winds) seems to have contributed little to the search. Jax (Lily Gladstone, Oscar nominated for KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON) remains committed to finding her sister and to raising 13-year-old Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson, "Three Pines") according to Cayuga traditions ... including the annual Powwow in Oklahoma City, which features the mother-daughter dance that Roki so looks forward to.

CPS gets involved, and since Jax's past record is anything but pristine, Roki gets placed with her grandfather Frank (Shea Whigham, "Boardwalk Empire") and his new wife Nancy (Audrey Wasilewski, "Big Love"). Frank's relationship with his daughter Jax has been strained ever since he left the reservation after Jax's mom died (a key element to the story). Most of the story is quite believable; however, one big exception is that we are to accept Frank and Nancy refuse to allow Roki to attend Powwow. This unlikely occurrence leads Jax to help Roki escape, and the two head out to search for Tawi ... turning this into an 'on the road' story.

The cinematography from Carolina Costa is beautiful, and complements the emotions of these characters. The performances and connection of Ms. Gladstone and young Deroy-Olson make us buy into the story and their struggles. Perhaps the film's most insightful scene involves Roki, Nancy, and a pair of ballet shoes - highlighting the disconnect. We relate to Roki's wish to have just one more dance with her mother, and Jax helps us understand the challenges faced by women in indigenous communities. If there's a negative here, it's that the entire movie moves at a slow burn pace without ever achieving the tension it teases us with. Despite that minor issue, it's stunning that missing and murdered women are so commonplace in this community that each year there is a dance dedicated to them.

Streaming on Apple TV+ beginning June 28, 2024.

This is a great story that received a heap of well-deserved awards. Lily Gladstone, Oscar nominee for best lead actress in "Killers of the Flower Moon," puts on yet another fine performance. One of the many miserable white people had this to say: "Another tale about the white man oppressing the downtrodden red man. Your only reward for watching this painful, slow movie is the abrupt and unfinished ending. The movie would have been better and felt just as complete had they had the ending right after the opening credits." They hate to hear the truth-it's due to their shame and white fragility, but these stories need to be and will be told again and again. Needless to say, you should ignore this and all the other negative reviews.

Fancy Dance starring Lily Gladstone and Isabel Deroy-Olson is now streaming on AppleTV+. From director Erica Tremblay, this drama follows Jax (Gladstone) as she struggles to maintain guardianship of her niece Roki (Deroy-Olson) while also trying to find her sister who has gone missing.

This was an emotional and gripping drama that was beautifully acted by both Gladstone and Deroy-Olson. More impressive still, Gladstone filmed this movie at the same time as Killers of the Flower Moon which she earned her first Oscar nomination for. I enjoyed this movie for how fearless and unapologetic the writing is. Although this is not a true story, it has a true story kind of feel and I am sure that stories such as this one are sadly not uncommon.

Fancy Dance is not a happy story, but it is an important one. If you want to see a good drama which features great acting and storytelling, I recommend checking this out. If you want to be in a good mood afterwards, I suggest keep strolling.