The Business of Fancydancing

A Thought-Provoking Homecoming: Review of 'The Business of Fancydancing' (2025)

Hey everyone! I recently had the chance to catch 'The Business of Fancydancing,' which just hit theaters this year, and I've got a lot of thoughts buzzing around in my head. If you're looking for a movie that makes you feel and think, rather than just providing a quick escape, this might be right up your alley. It’s a film that definitely stays with you long after the credits roll, exploring some really deep questions about identity, friendship, and what "home" truly means.

Story Overview

This 2025 film, beautifully directed by Maya Cloud (a name you might start hearing a lot more often), revisits the world established by acclaimed author Sherman Alexie. It centers on Seymour Polatkin, a Spokane tribal member who has become a successful, award-winning poet and writer, living a seemingly vibrant literary life far from his childhood reservation. The story kicks off when Seymour receives news that pulls him back to the Spokane Indian Reservation for a significant community event – a memorial for a beloved elder and mentor, which also serves as a gathering for old friends and family.

This return isn't just a trip home; it's a journey into his past, forcing him to confront the life he left behind and, more specifically, his complicated relationship with Aristotle Joseph. Aristotle, his childhood best friend and also a gifted poet, chose to stay on the reservation, dedicating himself to community work and teaching. Their reunion quickly sparks old tensions, as they grapple with differing ideas of success, authenticity, and what it means to be a "Native artist" in the modern world. It's a poignant look at two friends who loved the same things but took radically different paths, now trying to understand each other across a widening divide.

Main Characters & Performances

The heart of 'The Business of Fancydancing' truly lies in its two lead performances, which are just phenomenal. Ethan Redwing, as Seymour Polatkin, delivers a wonderfully nuanced portrayal of a man caught between two worlds. He's intellectual, articulate, and carries the weight of expectation and past choices on his shoulders. You can feel his internal struggle – the pride in his accomplishments mixed with a subtle loneliness and a longing for connection he perhaps didn't realize he missed. Redwing really makes Seymour's occasional detachment feel less like arrogance and more like a defense mechanism.

Then there's Kainoa Strong Bear as Aristotle Joseph, who brings a grounded, soulful energy to the screen. Aristotle is Seymour’s foil – rooted, passionate about his community, and unafraid to challenge Seymour's polished exterior. Strong Bear plays him with a quiet strength and a simmering resentment that feels incredibly real. His performance anchors the film, reminding us of the unwavering spirit of those who choose to stay and build. Their chemistry is electric, and watching their interactions, whether they're sharing a laugh or a heated argument, feels incredibly authentic, like you're watching two real people with a long, complex history. The supporting cast, especially Seymour’s family members, also do a great job of adding texture and warmth to the reservation scenes.

What Works Well

So, what truly shines in this movie? First off, the dialogue is absolutely brilliant. It’s sharp, poetic, and often laced with the kind of dry wit you only find among people who’ve known each other forever. You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll definitely ponder some of the profound lines. The film's exploration of Native American identity and artistry in the 21st century feels incredibly genuine and important, sidestepping stereotypes to show a diverse, complex reality.

I also really appreciated the cinematography. The movie beautifully contrasts the stark, natural beauty of the reservation with the more bustling, anonymous cityscapes Seymour inhabits. It's visually compelling without ever feeling showy. The emotional honesty of the film is another huge plus. It doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths about friendship, success, and the pain of feeling like you don't quite belong anywhere. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the conversations and the characters' emotions to breathe, which makes their struggles and small triumphs all the more impactful.

What Could Be Improved

While I genuinely enjoyed the film, a few things might not work for every viewer. Its deliberate pacing, which I praised earlier, might feel a bit slow or meandering for audiences accustomed to faster-moving plots. If you're looking for a quick, action-packed story, this isn't it. This film asks you to settle in and really listen.

Also, because it dives so deeply into specific cultural contexts and the world of poetry, some of the more nuanced discussions or references might require a little extra attention from viewers not familiar with those themes. While accessible, it does demand a certain level of engagement. I wouldn't say it's a flaw, but it's something to be aware of if you prefer films that spoon-feed every bit of information. The ending, while thoughtfully open-ended, might leave some viewers craving a more definitive resolution to Seymour and Aristotle's journey.

Overall Entertainment Value

Is 'The Business of Fancydancing' "entertaining" in the traditional sense? Perhaps not in the blockbuster, popcorn-flick kind of way. But it is profoundly engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply moving. It’s the kind of film that sparks conversations and lingers in your mind for days. It offers a window into experiences and perspectives that aren't often highlighted in mainstream cinema, and it does so with immense grace and authenticity.

For me, the entertainment value comes from the sheer quality of the writing, the raw power of the performances, and the important themes it tackles. It's a film that respects its audience, trusting them to connect with its characters on a deeper level. It challenges you to consider different perspectives and reminds you of the enduring strength of community and culture.

Final Verdict

'The Business of Fancydancing' (2025) is a powerful and essential film that truly shines a light on complex human relationships and the ever-evolving nature of identity. With its stellar performances, rich dialogue, and thoughtful exploration of what it means to be "home," it offers a cinematic experience that is both beautiful and challenging. If you appreciate character-driven dramas, poetic storytelling, and movies that invite deep reflection, then I wholeheartedly recommend you seek this one out. It’s a compelling watch that will stay with you long after the lights come up. Definitely a must-see for anyone looking for something with real heart and substance.