“Fancy Dance” Director Criticizes Film’s Handling of Key Plot Point, Lack of Emotional Resonance
LOS ANGELES, CA – Michael Angelo Covino‘s new film, “Fancy Dance,” is drawing criticism for its superficial treatment of a pivotal event and its failure to establish compelling character connections, leaving audiences feeling detached from the narrative. While the film features a cast including Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson, reviewers and viewers alike are noting a disconnect between dramatic incidents and their emotional weight.
The film hinges on a car crash indirectly linked to a moment of intimacy between characters Carey and ashley (Arjona). Tho neither is directly involved in the accident, the narrative suggests Carey’s distracted driving-stemming from Ashley’s advances-contributed to the event.However,the film quickly moves past this perhaps impactful moment,using it solely to propel Ashley toward a decision to seek a divorce,and then abandoning the storyline entirely. This abrupt shift, critics say, diminishes the gravity of the crash and prevents a deeper exploration of its consequences.
Covino reportedly frames the ensuing violence, including a prolonged fight between Carey and Paul (Covino), as slapstick, staged in wide shots within an opulent beach house. The conflict is rooted in sexual jealousy, elaborate by a supposed open relationship between Paul and Julie (Johnson). Despite the presence of recognizable stars, the film struggles to create relatable characters or a sustained sense of emotional investment, leaving the looming threat of death feeling largely unrealized.
