This period drama, “The Road Dance,” draws inspiration from true historical events and is adapted from John MacKay’s novel. MacKay based his book on a childhood story about a baby found at sea near his grandparents’ home in the Outer Hebrides. While watching the film, one is struck by the realization that it likely reflects countless unrecorded true stories of women silenced by fear after experiencing sexual violence, afraid of blame and disbelief. Despite this heavy theme, the film is presented in a heartfelt, almost old-fashioned narrative style, with acting that occasionally feels somewhat rigid. However, the breathtaking beauty of the Hebridean landscape, masterfully captured by cinematographer Petra Korner, is undeniably captivating.
Set in 1916 on the Isle of Lewis, the film introduces us to Kirsty (Hermione Corfield), a young woman in a crofting community yearning for a life beyond her village. While deeply devoted to her mother and sister, she dreams of emigrating to America with Murdo (Will Fletcher), her poetry-loving sweetheart. Their plans are put on hold as Murdo, along with other young men from the village, is called to fight in World War I. It’s at the pre-departure village dance – the titular “road dance” – intended to bid farewell to these young soldiers, barely more than teenagers, that Kirsty’s life takes a devastating turn. In the aftermath of the dance, Kirsty is assaulted. The local doctor (Mark Gatiss), in a seemingly considerate act, treats Kirsty’s injuries but emphasizes secrecy, effectively silencing her ordeal. Kirsty internalizes this, telling no one about the assault.
The narrative then follows a well-trodden path of pregnancy and denial. Kirsty attempts to conceal her growing pregnancy, but the ever-present scrutiny of village life, embodied by a pious gossip, begins to raise suspicions. The film portrays Kirsty’s small community as both narrow-minded and compassionate. While undeniably sentimental, the film gains a modern resonance in depicting the women of the village rallying around Kirsty, their collective anger at the injustice she faces becoming a powerful force of support.
