Watch The Fits

The Fits, a 2015 drama film directed by Anna Rose Holmer, follows the life of Toni, an 11-year-old girl, who is captivated by the dance group that practices in the same gym where she learns boxing. Though she initially hesitates to join the dance team, Toni becomes increasingly drawn to their graceful yet powerful movements, incorporating some of the dance moves into her boxing routine. As she becomes more involved with the dance team, strange episodes of fainting and seizure-like symptoms start to affect some of the girls, leading Toni to investigate the cause of these fits.

The film is set in Cincinnati, Ohio, and portrays the gritty yet vibrant backdrop of an urban community faced with economic and social challenges. The girls in the dance team come from diverse backgrounds, and the issues they face outside of the gym are subtly hinted at throughout the movie. Though the story is primarily centered around Toni and her journey to uncover the mysterious fits, the themes of self-discovery, community, and belonging are woven into the film's fabric.

Royalty Hightower delivers an impressive performance as Toni, capturing the character's curiosity, resilience, and vulnerability with ease. Toni's journey is portrayed through a quiet and understated style of filmmaking, which allows the audience to be immersed in the atmosphere of the film. The subtle use of sound and visual cues adds an eerie and mysterious quality to the story, capturing the audience's attention and heightening their anticipation of what will happen next.

One of the film's standout features is the choreography, which is beautifully executed by the young dancers. The dance numbers are mesmerizing and capture the grace and fluidity of their movements. The camera work, coupled with the atmospheric music, amplifies the emotional impact of the dance scenes with a sense of awe and wonder.

While The Fits can be viewed as an exploration of the mysterious fits that affect some of the characters, the film's themes also deal with broader issues of self-discovery and identity. Toni's journey is symbolic of the young girls that are transitioning from childhood to adolescence, as they navigate their way through the challenges of growing up. The subtle metaphors and references to adult-like rituals are intertwined with the story, adding depth and layers to the film's meaning.

The camaraderie and kinship between the girls is an essential aspect of the film, and their interactions are portrayed with nuance and sensitivity. The focus on the group dynamics is refreshing, as the movie sheds light on the complexities of friendship and the importance of support and solidarity.

Overall, The Fits is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores themes of identity, community, and belonging. The use of dance as a metaphor for self-expression and liberation is a potent and emotionally resonant device, which makes the film a unique viewing experience. The performances are superb, especially Royalty Hightower's captivating portrayal of Toni, which anchors the film's messages of self-discovery and growth. The Fits is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

The Fits is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 90.