Dance movie discusses mass psychogenic illness


The extent that adolescents go to feel a sense of belonging is one that is explored in director Anna Rose Holmer’s newest film. THE FITS tells the story of an 11-year old girl tomboy, Toni, played by Royalty Hightower, who becomes inspired to join the Lionesses Dance Team at her local community center. Initially, she doesn’t fit in with the other girls because of her boyish ways, having never danced before and being a boxer. She joins the team anyway, and shortly after, the captain and many of the other girls experience mysterious, inexplicable fits of fainting, moaning and shaking. Yet somehow, these fits become widely accepted by the girls, acting as a rite of passage. This ultimately causes Toni to question the dance team and herself because she is frightened of “the fits,” but also wants to be like the other girls.

The film explores the psychological phenomenon and the conditions of mass hysteria among young girls. The girls in the film are dedicated and borderline obsessed with their dance team. Despite “the fits” that the girls experience, such as fainting, they decide to embrace the  strange condition as a rite of passage.  Toni is afraid to experience “the fits,” but feels that she must do so in order to fit in with the rest of her dance team.  While the fits may seem a little ridiculous at first, audiences can relate the themes easily to mental health, peer pressure and adolescence.

The cinematography of the film is astounding, with every shot enhancing the story and perspective of the characters. The audience understands Toni’s shy awkwardness through the character’s personality as she is new to the dance team and is constantly questioning it and “the fits”. The composition also helped to create a feeling of uneasiness and mystery when many of the girls have the fits, drawing focus to the emotions of the girls who have “the fits.”

Hightower shines in the film in her portrayal of Toni, showing how confusing adolescence really is. Throughout the film, Hightower creates a Toni that is likeable and naive, from her shy glances to her awkward dancing. Audiences are able to relate to the confusion and longing to be accepted, ultimately making the movie that much more remarkable.

Overall, THE FITS brings a fresh story to the screen, presenting deeper themes to the audience beyond just dancers having fits, but delving into ideas of obsessions, community and acceptance. Holmer does a tremendous job in portraying the struggle of youth, and through the careful shots, amazing acting and unique story, the film gives audiences something to think about.