REVIEW: “Fancy Dance” (2024)

As a film enthusiast who has had the privilege of watching “Fancy Dance” on AppleTV+, I cannot help but be deeply moved by this powerful and poignant film. Having witnessed Lily Gladstone’s exceptional performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” I was eager to see her take on the complex character of Jax Goodiron. And let me tell you, she did not disappoint.

After delivering an astonishing portrayal in “Killers of the Flower Moon” last year, which unfortunately missed out on the Oscar for Best Actress, I’m thrilled to follow Lily Gladstone once again in “Fancy Dance.” This film shares some connections with “Killers,” making them a captivating pair. Debut director Erica Tremblay helms “Fancy Dance” in her first feature film, which had its premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival before “Killers.” Although it took some time, this movie is now accessible to stream or catch in select theaters.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d describe it this way: Tremblay and Alise gave me a challenging role as Gladstone. On screen, I had to portray a tough yet fatigued persona with an almost detached emotional depth. My deliveries were often stoic and monotone, which added to the complexity of the character. However, this approach didn’t always hit the mark. But then came those extraordinary scenes where I allowed a peek into Gladstone’s deep-seated fears, simmering anger, and hidden pain. These moments transformed my character from a one-dimensional figure to a multifaceted being that left a lasting impression on the audience.

At the heart of this story is Gladstone, who takes on the role of Jax Goodiron, a resident of the Seneca–Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma. Her sister Tawi, played by Isabel DeRoy-Olson, faces personal struggles that leave Jax as the sole caretaker for her 13-year-old niece Roki. The situation becomes even more complex when Tawi disappears for an extended period, drawing concern from Indian Child Welfare services. Though Jax is accustomed to her sister’s absences, this prolonged disappearance has left the authorities unresponsive, except for her half-brother JJ, who is part of the Indian tribal police. The Sheriff’s Department and federal agencies have shown little interest in the case.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but be intrigued by Jax’s complex character. Unlike most people, she doesn’t shy away from the darker side of life. She’s known to sneak merchandise from stores without paying, hotwire cars and sell them for scrap, and even dabbles in the illegal drug trade for a local thug named Boo (Blayne Allen). And it’s not just her own actions that raise eyebrows; she frequently draws her innocent niece into her web of criminal activities.

Despite the tough exterior portrayed by Jax in the film, her tragic circumstances are skillfully revealed, earning our sympathy. The authentic representation of her world through an indigenous lens offers a unique perspective on a frequently overlooked segment of society. Trembley’s raw and honest portrayal of Jax’s experiences fully engages us in her reality. In summary, we empathize with Jax because we gain insight into the challenges she has faced and the hurdles she continues to encounter.

Jax deeply cares for Roki and is doing her best to nurture and look after her, despite being unprepared for this maternal role. Her primary concern is ensuring Roki’s happiness, but the return of Tawi for their mother-daughter dance at the powwow in Tulsa becomes increasingly uncertain as time passes.

The movie aims to shed light on two crucial issues: the alarming number of missing Native American women and the indifference towards their disappearances, as well as the complicated issue of foster care and child welfare within Indigenous communities. This aspect is most prominent when Child Protective Services take Roki away from her family and place her with Jax’s estranged white father Frank and his new wife Nancy (Audrey Wasilewski). This event prompts Jax to make impulsive decisions that lead the storyline into a more perilous phase.

In “Fancy Dance,” some characters and their motivations aren’t fully developed, and the movie’s rhythm at times weakens the impact of its messages. However, Tremblay effectively communicates without preaching excessively. Instead, she uses her vivid portrayal of reservation existence to express a range of authentic social issues faced by individuals within that community. This demonstrates Tremblay’s skill as a filmmaker and her confidence in viewers to engage deeply with the content. “Fancy Dance” is currently available for streaming on AppleTV+.

2024-07-22 17:56

REVIEW: “Fancy Dance” (2024)

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