She Dances

I just signed up for IMDb solely to write a review for this great film I just saw at Tribeca I prefer logging on Letterboxd).

I read the Variety review, and I'm assuming that person saw a movie different to what I saw. In my opinion, the humor is spot on, the relationships feel real and lived, and it's a very moving film - certainly an impressive feature directing debut by Rick Gomez.

The making of this film is definitely a family (and friends) affair. It features great central performances by Steve Zahn and his daughter, Audrey. And Ethan Hawke - always true. I don't know if it's got a distribution deal, but I hope so!

Prepare to cry, unless your heart is made of stone! Or maybe if you don't have kids; if you do, it should be impossible to not be touched.

SHE DANCES is a beautiful jewel box of a film. A very real feeling exploration of a family ruptured by grief and loss that finds its way back to one another. The cast was uniformly lovely with pitch perfect performances from Steve Zahn and a star turn from his daughter Audrey Zahn in her feature film debut. Do not be surprised to see her name a lot more after this film. The direction by Rick Gomez is deft and beautiful with lovely and strategic use of split screen to exceptional effect. The screenplay by Zahn and Gomez never feels forced but comes across with humor, tension, and well-earned emotion. It also gives the actors wonderful moments of surprise and genuine discovery. This was clearly a movie made with pure love of the material but the filmmakers and pure love for each other. Having discovered this perfect, quirky film at Tribeca, I wish I was in purchasing at one of the strangersyas it would find a welcome home for viewers who identify as both the parent and the child in their lives. If you can find it, do yourself a favor and invest your 90+ minutes wisely in watching SHE DANCES. You'll be so glad you did.