The latest release from Apple TV, ‘Fancy Dance,’ marks a significant milestone in the career of Lily Gladstone and Native American representation in cinema. The film stars Gladstone as Jax Goodiron, a member of the Seneca-Cayuga tribe in Oklahoma, who embarks on a quest to find her missing sister, Tawi.

A Moving Performance

Lily Gladstone is back on the big screen with a role she describes as her most important yet. Reflecting on her character, she mentioned, This film really stands on its own to me… It’s one of the only times I’ve experienced what I think every actor hopes to—a character completely took over. Known for her acclaimed performance in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ which earned her widespread recognition and historic accolades, Gladstone once again brings depth and authenticity to her role.

Co-Star Chemistry

This is the first feature film for Isabel DeRoy-Olson, who plays Roki, Tawi’s daughter. DeRoy-Olson praised Gladstone, saying, She’s so genuine and generous with her time… any nerves I had about filming immediately went away because we just got along so well. Their on-screen relationship appears natural and empathetic, adding layers to the narrative.

The Importance of Representation

The film is not just a quest for a missing sister but also a profound commentary on the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Person’s (MMIP) crisis. Erica Tremblay, the film’s director, co-writer, and producer emphasized how crucial representation was in this project. Tremblay noted, I am thrilled to share this beautiful story of two Seneca-Cayuga women with a global audience… seeing my community included in the rich tapestry of cinema is a dream come true.

A Call to Awareness

Gladstone hopes ‘Fancy Dance’ sheds light on the MMIP crisis, stating,When you are rooting for a character like Jax Goodiron to find her sister Tawi Goodiron, you care in such a deep, tremendous emotional way that hopefully it will set in that for every Tawi Goodiron on film there is a Kaysera Stops Pretty Places… This poignant portrayal aims to bring awareness and empathy towards real-life issues faced by indigenous communities today.

‘Fancy Dance’ premiered in select theaters and is currently available on Apple TV as of June 28th.