Written by: Rick Gomez, Steve Zahn
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Steve Zahn, Rosemarie DeWitt
She Dances (2025) is a touching comedy drama following a father and his teenage daughter as she comes of age. Jason, played by Steve Zahn, is empowered to reconnect with her daughter Clair, played by Audrey Clair Zahn whilst supporting her in her regional dance competition alongside her best friend Kat. The film starts as a road movie, with strong similarities to Little Miss Sunshine, as we see generational strains among the characters, with Jason attempting to find a common thread for them all to bond over. As Jason’s attempts to be relatable and command leadership and protection during their journey to and throughout the dance competition falter, he soon realises that another approach is needed for an authentic moment of connection to surface.
Rick Gomez’s directorial debut feature includes incredible performances from the cast. Ethan Hawke’s wide array of work from Dead Poets Society to Black Phone demonstrates his extraordinary range, and his work in She Dances is a commendable addition to his discography. Hawke plays Brian, an estranged yet deeply caring friend of Jason, and their brotherhood is subtly poignant throughout the film as they work through their struggles, despite feeling held back by guilt and trauma. Viewers get a strong sense of Brian’s desire to get through to Jason, whilst his discomfort at the unfamiliar emotional landscape is visceral. The casting also refreshingly includes debut performances, most notably from Audrey Clair Zahn, who plays Clair brilliantly, highlighting the turmoil of girlhood comparably so to Saoirse Ronan’s astounding performance in Lady Bird.
The film falters slightly in its slightly unengaging writing style. The tone bounces jarringly between solemnity in its dealing with grief, and comedic chaos when following Jason’s frantic actions, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the story’s ebbs and flows. This being said, the humorous moments themselves are entertaining, helped by the great acting, particularly from the child actors who bring a riveting joy to Jason’s sidequests along his journey. The film’s sadder moments do feel slightly disconnected, as whilst the characters’ expressiveness does convey a strong sense of their grief making the sense of loss extremely visceral, there is some narrative confusion as the film so often switches focus, meaning viewers may not feel as engaged with the key events which provide the backdrop to the story.
The pacing and structure of the film feel slightly confused at times. There are several character dynamics that are developing at once, and the flow is often disoriented as the film floats between growing each relationship. The direction is perhaps flayed out where it is to spread its focus on too many plot lines, making for a sporadic viewing experience as we attempt to engage with each dynamic. Commendably, each sub-plot feels relevant and aptly moving, viewers may struggle to engage with the film as a whole with so many storylines happening at one.
Overall, She Dances has a diverse and vibrantly committed cast, and a heartwarming message with a loving feel to it. Whilst the writing at times stunted, this is made up for through its animated characterisations, dedicated performances, and fantastic comedy. Audrey Clair Zahn appears to have a great career ahead of her demonstrated by her commendable talent here, as alongside well-established actors such as Zahn and Hawke, her skill stands out marvellously.