2021 * Not Rated* 1h 56m The recent film “The Road Dance” harkens back to Hollywood films of the 1930s and 40s. It’s an epic tale that deals with love, loss, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It features strong females who rise above hardships and if it were made back in the day, would most likely star someone like a young Bette Davis. This fine movie is based on the novel by John MacKay and is the directorial debut of Richie Adams, who co-wrote it with MacKay. It’s supposedly inspired by a true story.
This beautiful film is set in the Outer Hebrides, a chain of remote islands off the coast of northern Scotland. The action takes place in 1916, in the period leading up to World War I. Cinematographer Petra Korner does an amazing job presenting the breathtaking landscapes. She weaves beautiful scenes into the action to paint a striking portrait of the area. The rugged coastline. Rolling hills. Desolate fields. And the modest dwellings in the small village. It brings to mind the old adage, “It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”
Our story is centered around Kirsty (Hermione Corfield), a headstrong young woman who lives with her sister Annie (Ali Fumiko Whitney), and mother Mairi (Morven Christie) in a remote part of Scotland. Her father died when she was young and the girls were raised by their mother. The three live in a modest home and they just barely eek out a living farming the land. It’s a bleak existence with a less-than-promising future in store for them.
Kirsty has her share of young suitors, but the one who she’s drawn to is Murdo (Will Fletcher). The two have a love a reading in common and Murdo, an aspiring poet, introduces her to the works of Robert Frost. They also share a dream of one day starting a new life in America and promise each other that they’ll make it happen.
Then life in the outside world hits home. The English have entered the war in Europe and conscript all the boys in the village, including Murdo. To send the young men off in style, the townsfolk put on a traditional Road Dance—literally a celebration that takes place on the streets of the village. Kirsty is distraught about the thought of losing her true love to war and goes for a hike along the rocky coast. There she’s attacked by an unknown assailant and is raped. Knowing what the reaction would be by the locals, she reports that she simply slipped and fell.
Kirsty is taken to the town physician, the kindly Doctor Maclean (Mark Gatiss). He stitches her up and to ensure she’s okay, he has her spend the night while he keeps an eye on her. The doctor is a worldly gent, and he recently left a practice in London. It makes you wonder why he’d choose to relocate to such a remote setting.
It isn’t long before Kirsty discovers she’s pregnant. If the villagers found out, her life would become a living hell. When she begins showing, she does everything in her power to keep it secret. She binds her mid-drift with cloth strips to hide her condition. Her deception can only work for so long and she eventually tells her sister and mother. Then things take a turn for the worse and she goes into labor early. I won’t reveal any more of the plot and I’ll just say the story takes a number of twists and turns—some expected, but most will catch you totally off guard.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Road Dance” for a number of reasons. The cast was absolutely perfect, filled with a number of actors you’ve no doubt seen in other British productions. This is Ms. Corfield’s first leading role and does she ever shine. Her performance is nothing short of riveting. This is definitely her breakout movie, and I know she’s well on her way to a successful career. As mentioned earlier, the cinematography will make you want to pack your bags and book the next flight to Scotland. Another factor that made the film so memorable is the gorgeous soundtrack by Carlos Jose Alvarez. It’s a nice mix of Celtic music, ranging from lively jigs and reels to sad, lilting melodies.
I must say, it’s one of those movies that I found emotionally draining, so be sure to have some tissues on hand. The only nit I have to pick with the film is the ending. Without spoiling it for you, let’s just say it sort of came out of left field. I definitely didn’t see it coming. But since it’s supposed to be based on true events, I’ll cut the filmmakers some slack.
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card), Tubi, and Vudu. Also on Prime Video, and to rent on Apple TV, and other services.
Note to parents: The film is not rated but I’d probably give it a PG-13.
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