Fancy Dance Review : Lily Gladstone's compelling performance illuminates this native American drama

Story: After her sister's disappearance, Jax has been caring for her niece, Roki. Fearing she might lose custody of Roki to her grandfather, Jax embarks on a road trip with her niece to search for her sister.

Review: Lily Gladstone has been steadily rising in her career. After her stunning debut in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ she delivers another powerful performance in ‘Fancy Dance,’ taking on a role that starkly contrasts with her previous one. This film, centered around Native Americans, once again shines a spotlight on the indigenous community of the United States. With outstanding performances and a thoughtful plot, ‘Fancy Dance’ tells a touching story of a woman searching for her sister, but her criminal background complicates her ability to care for her niece, whom she loves dearly. Set on the Seneca-Cayuga Reservation in Oklahoma, the film vividly brings to life the experiences of Native Americans with a narrative that is both moving and resonant.

The film centers on Jax (Lily Gladstone), who is fervently searching for her sister Tawi after her sudden disappearance. Despite her struggles and living a hand-to-mouth existence, Jax lovingly cares for her teenage niece, Roki (Isabel Deroy Olson). The bond between them is strong, but due to Jax's criminal background, the court decides to grant custody of Roki to her white grandfather, Frank (Shea Whigham). However, Jax holds a firm belief that Tawi will reappear at the annual powwow dance competition, a cherished event where Tawi last triumphed alongside her daughter. Driven by this conviction, Jax persuades Roki to leave her grandfather’s house, and together they embark on a journey to the powwow dance competition, hoping to reunite with Tawi.

This drama sensitively portrays the challenges faced by Native Americans and subtly conveys the theme of disappearance. It focuses on the tough realities of survival within the community, emphasizing individuals who are often overlooked. The police investigation into Jax’s sister's disappearance is portrayed as more of a procedural obligation than a genuine concern, a dynamic captured poignantly by the film. Despite exposing the complexities of Jax and Roki's relationship, the film skilfully navigates their bond with nuance. 'Fancy Dance' stands out as a grounded portrayal that maintains authenticity, presenting its narrative with sincerity and depth.

This film captivates viewers with another exceptional performance by Lily Gladstone. In a departure from her debut role, Gladstone portrays Jax with a newfound sense of uninhibited vulnerability and openness, delivering a visceral and compelling performance. Isabel Deroy Olson, as Roki, also shines in her role as a 13-year-old navigating the vulnerabilities of early adolescence. Her portrayal, especially in the scene where she celebrates her first period with her auntie at a restaurant, is particularly moving. ‘Fancy Dance’ firmly shines a spotlight on the indigenous community of the United States, offering an unflinching portrayal of their lives. The film is culturally significant as it incorporates a significant amount of dialogue in the endangered Cayuga language. It's a poignant and accurate portrayal that brings attention to a neglected community within the United States.