The Fits (2016)

Directed by Anna Rose Holmer. Starring Royalty Hightower, Da’Sean Minor, Alexis Neblett, Lauren Gibson, Inayah Rodgers, Makyla Burman, Antonio A.B. Grant Jr.

Feeling lost and socially isolated, tomboyish boxer Toni (Hightower) is intrigued by a girls’ dance practice and hesitantly seeks to join the troupe. Not long after she starts to fit in and make friends, however, squad members start suffering bizarre, violent seizures, spreading fear and misunderstanding through the girls’ ranks. Lyrical, experimental mood piece leans heavy on metaphors and case studies to support the intriguing textures; as such, it earned high praise in numerous critical communities, but there’s nothing underneath its striking surface qualities. Even those who understand this isn’t a mystery meant to be solved may become frustrated by the low-key “non-acting” from most of the cast, and the project’s elusive weight and meaning. Holmer’s feature directing debut. Premiered the year before its general release at the Venice Film Festival.

62/100