Fancy Dance: Focus on the plight of Natives

Fancy Dance movie brings to light the Native Americans’ tragic life stories. Even in modern times, Indigenous Americans face numerous problems and umpteenth challenges in the United States of America. Notably, the protagonist, Aunt Jax, is played by highly talented actress Lily Gladstone in this Native American movie.

Her teenage niece Roki is the deuteragonist. She has been portrayed by gifted young actress Isabel Deroy-Olson. Its emotional story primarily focuses on the exploitation of women belonging to the Indigenous Native community in America.

Native Americans’ Trials, Tribulations & Tragic Life Tales

Spoiler Free Review: Fancy Dance (2024/USA) Movie

The storyline/plotline/synopsis/summary

In the wake of her sister’s disappearance, Jax (Lily Gladstone) has been caring for her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson) on the Seneca-Cayuga* reservation in Oklahoma. She dedicates all her free time to searching for her missing sister. In addition, she is also helping Roki prepare for an upcoming powwow** celebration. Despite the risk of losing custody of Roki’s grandfather, Frank (Shea Whigham), Jax and Roki embark on a journey through the wilderness to find Roki’s missing mother before the powwow. What starts as a search soon turns into a profound exploration of the challenges faced by Indigenous women navigating a colonised world under an unjust legal system.

Based in Oklahoma, United States of America, the Seneca–Cayuga* (Reservation) Nation is one of the three federally recognized tribes of Seneca people in the USA, which also includes the Cayuga people.

Powwow** is a celebration of Native American Indian culture in which people from diverse indigenous nations gather for the purpose of dancing, singing, and honouring the traditions of their ancestors. (Info. Source: Britannica)

In an emotional roller-coaster Native family drama ride. Erica has raised important questions related to the concepts of family, community, society and country. All of these burning issues are intrinsically linked with the Indigenous Native community of North America. In fact, this modern indigenous movie is a love letter (according to actress Lily, and we agree) to Indigenous Native women. The subject matters of colonial occupation and the broken (social, political and economic) systems have been subtly underlined.

It is a kind of love letter to Indigenous Native women

The movie writers, Erica Tremblay and Miciana Alise, have shared a simple yet insightful tale about the Native American community.They also talk about their representations in American society. After her sister goes missing, a Native American hustler (Lily) takes her niece from the child’s white grandparents. And then they head towards the state powwow to preserve their Indigenous family bond. So, the movie director Erica Tremblay presents a distinctive narrative. The movie explores indigenous land, language, and community. Besides, it highlights the beautiful bond between an indigenous aunt and her niece.

Furthermore, Erica has smartly highlighted the deeply ingrained racial divide that exists in American society. Especially, the chasm between the Indigenous Native community and the immigrant non-native people. Erica has given a voice and amplified the sense of hurt felt by Natives. The cinematographer Carolina Costa has wielded her camera to great effect. She has added depth and layers to its visual storytelling. We especially loved the shot, which showed Aunt Jax talking on the phone and her niece Roki listening to her secret conversation in one frame, hidden and separated by a thin wall.

The movie exposes the existing law and justice structures in the USA. These laws are heavily biased against the Natives. Also, we do not wish to generalise. But the crumbling infrastructure, powerless authorities, limited opportunities and poverty-stricken lives plague the Natives’ lives in reservation areas. It is in complete contrast to how non-Native folks live in non-reservation localities. This perceptive film takes Indigenous people’s issues forward. Moreover, it makes the viewers feel the pains and tribulations of the Natives.

Lily Gladstone & Isabel Deroy-Olson breathed life into their characters

Lily Gladstone plays the main character of Aunt Jax. She is a hustler and a drifter, perhaps. Whereas, young teenage actress Isabel Deroy-Olson portrays the supporting role of her niece, Rori. However, the tragic and sudden disappearance of her sister forces Aunt Jax to re-evaluate her life choices. Fascinatingly, as the story progresses further, Aunt Jax (Lily Gladstone) discovers a purpose and an anchor in her niece Rori. The on-screen chemistry and relationship between the two women, Aunt Jax and niece Rori, have been explored gracefully.

Both the actresses, Lily Gladstone and Isabel Deroy-Olson, have breathed life into their complex yet realistic characters. We marvel at the immense acting talent both of these actresses possess. While watching their movie, one could feel the outpouring of empathy and emotions.

The film illustrates loss, pain, misery, suffering, heartache, and bitterness among the Indigenous Native characters. It seems that the colonial policies of the past few centuries continue to thrive and operate in North America. Therefore, we still get to see the widespread instances of Institutional racism. Systematic racism is the perpetuation of discrimination based on “race” by political, economic, or legal institutions and systems. And this is what the movie and the ensemble cast members have successfully depicted in it.

The rating

The conclusion

In the final closing scene of the movie*, we see the “Annual Missing and Murdered Memorial Dance” of the Natives. This emotional movie scene commemorates the missing and murdered relatives of the Native folks. As they dance for justice, dance for closure, and dance to honour those taken too soon. This is what the “powwow” and the said movie were all about. They highlighted and honoured the “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women” (MMIW) of North America. Nowadays, it seems that the mainstream entertainment platforms are supporting Indigenous Native voices, at least in the USA.

So, the Natives are being seen and heard there. And that is a big positive development. No doubt, it is catharsis for many Natives living around the world. Many of these Indigenous Natives have suffered immensely because of the destructive colonial policies. Although it is a melancholic movie, it exudes hope.

We think it is a thoughtful film to watch.

More so, in case the viewers belong to the indigenous community.

It is worth noting that actress Lily Gladstone filmed this during her breaks from "Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)" movie, for which she received an Oscar Award nomination. 

And, we recently reviewed Lily's "Under the Bridge" (2024) Mini-Series, for which she has been nominated for Emmy Awards. 

Spoiler Alert:- End Scene of the Fancy Dance (2024/USA) Movie*

Track 1: MMIW (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women) Honour Song by Otterail (Alexander Santos)

Track 2: Sky World by Teioswáthe (Theresa Monica Fox)

Poster: Fancy Dance (2024/USA) Movie

Key Details: Fancy Dance (2024/USA) Movie

Trailer: Fancy Dance (2024/USA) Movie

Also, check out the YouTube Video link - Comparing Scenes: Fancy Dance & Killers of the Flower Moon with Lily Gladstone | Apple TV+.

Awards won by this Native American Movie

Poster and Featured Image of the Fancy Dance (2024) Movie are courtesy of Apple TV+.