It's been awhile since I've seen an indie film that is as obscure as The Fits. The Fits acts as a character study for Toni, a tomboy who is trying to fit in with her peers. While a lot of the film focuses on Toni trying to fit in, there is also something else going on. Royalty Hightower's portrayal of Toni displays her ability to act subtly as her peers encounter a sickness that affects almost all of them. Toni must try and fit into the group even as the mysterious sickness spreads throughout the dance troupe.
There is a lot of oddity in the film that is hard to explain in a straightforward review. The tone is intriguing as Anna Holmer's (Twilight) direction balances on a line between drama, mystery, and horror. I look forward to future films directed by Holmer. The soundtrack is chilling at times, progressing the plot line forward. The film is interestingly original, with deep questions about fitting in and conforming to other groups. Audiences may not love their first viewing, but this is a truly independent and original film nonetheless. Personally, I found the film to be somewhat slow and sluggish with a story that is hard to make sense of. However, I won't argue that the filming techniques and performances are bad. Rather, the audience is brought into the middle of a supernatural and yet realistic storyline through the close-up shots of characters. At times, I was reminded of Moonlight because of the soundtrack similarities and filming methods.
The Bottom Line: The Fits is a serene and arguably peaceful perspective on youth conformity.
Score: 6.5/10
There is a lot of oddity in the film that is hard to explain in a straightforward review. The tone is intriguing as Anna Holmer's (Twilight) direction balances on a line between drama, mystery, and horror. I look forward to future films directed by Holmer. The soundtrack is chilling at times, progressing the plot line forward. The film is interestingly original, with deep questions about fitting in and conforming to other groups. Audiences may not love their first viewing, but this is a truly independent and original film nonetheless. Personally, I found the film to be somewhat slow and sluggish with a story that is hard to make sense of. However, I won't argue that the filming techniques and performances are bad. Rather, the audience is brought into the middle of a supernatural and yet realistic storyline through the close-up shots of characters. At times, I was reminded of Moonlight because of the soundtrack similarities and filming methods.
The Bottom Line: The Fits is a serene and arguably peaceful perspective on youth conformity.
Score: 6.5/10
