To simply label Fancy Dance as a sad movie would be a disservice to its nuanced and powerful storytelling. It’s not a film that aims for easy emotional triggers like somberness or outright tragedy. Instead, Fancy Dance achieves something far more profound: it presents a raw and authentic portrayal of life on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma, where hope can feel as elusive as rain in a drought, and the weight of systemic oppression is woven into the very fabric of daily existence. This film doesn’t offer distractions; it demands your attention to the realities it unflinchingly depicts.
At the heart of Fancy Dance is the story of Jax, portrayed with award-worthy depth by Lily Gladstone, and her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson). Roki is navigating the confusing space between childhood innocence and the harsh truths of her world, while Jax grapples with the long-term disappearance of her sister, Tawi, Roki’s mother. Survival in this environment is not a given; it’s a constant, moment-to-moment struggle. Jax, a small-time hustler by necessity, is forced to become Roki’s guardian, even as she battles her own internal struggles and the external pressures of a system seemingly designed to fail her community.
The oppressive atmosphere in Fancy Dance isn’t necessarily one of overt hostility, but rather a suffocating sense of apathy from the outside world. The Seneca-Cayuga reservation exists within a landscape of indifferent communities and institutions that show little desire to understand or support their unique way of life. Gladstone’s performance captures this feeling of resignation mixed with fierce determination. Jax’s quest to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance is met with roadblocks at every turn. The Federal authorities show little concern for yet another missing Indigenous woman, and Child Protective Services threatens to remove Roki from Jax’s care, aiming to place her with Jax’s estranged white father (Shea Whigham). Her only consistent ally seems to be her brother JJ (Ryan Begay), a police officer on the reservation, highlighting the insular nature of their struggle.
Do not expect a grand, dramatic narrative from Fancy Dance. Co-writer and director Erica Tremblay has crafted a film of remarkable subtlety and precision. The power of Fancy Dance lies in its quiet moments, its carefully chosen dialogue, and its meticulous attention to detail. It’s a film that immerses you in its world, allowing you to feel the generational weight of Jax’s pain. She is desperately trying to care for Roki, even while struggling to navigate her own life. Roki, on the cusp of adolescence, is beginning to understand the difficult realities surrounding her. The annual powwow, a vibrant cultural celebration and a tradition she shared with her mother, becomes a symbol of hope, however fragile, in the face of despair.
Fancy Dance thrives in the unspoken space of “unless.” It’s a film about resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, about holding onto culture and family in a world that seems determined to strip them away. The truths revealed in Fancy Dance resonate deeply, offering a perspective that was perhaps less explicitly explored in films like Killers of the Flower Moon, although both films benefit immensely from Gladstone’s compelling presence. Here, in Fancy Dance, Gladstone delivers another masterclass in acting, commanding attention with a portrayal that feels both intimately personal and representative of a larger, ongoing story. Her on-screen chemistry with Isabel Deroy-Olson is palpable, and Deroy-Olson’s performance is a powerful debut, perfectly capturing the delicate transition from childhood innocence to a dawning awareness of life’s harshness. The Cayuga language spoken in their shared moments adds another layer of authenticity and emotional depth to their relationship.
Carolina Costa’s cinematography beautifully captures the stark beauty of the landscape, juxtaposed with the cyclical nature of oppression and injustice. The film’s final scene is visually striking, imbued with a sense of ambiguity – is it a genuine glimmer of hope, or just a fleeting illusion? Costa’s lens intimately portrays the bond between Jax and Roki, while also highlighting the systemic distances imposed upon their world.
Initially, the impact of Fancy Dance might not fully register as the credits roll. However, in the days that follow, the film’s quiet power lingers in the mind. Fancy Dance is a perfect showcase for Lily Gladstone’s exceptional talent, solidifying her position as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actresses. It’s a subtle, unforgettable gem that deserves to be seen and discussed.
Written by Richard Propes The Independent Critic
