the road dance movie review

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, chaz's journal, great movies, contributors, the road dance.

Now streaming on:

"The Road Dance" is an unusually peculiar viewing experience. It begins with a Robert Louis Stevenson quote about the meaning of being a person over a very pretty shot of roiling seas and then establishes these seas are near the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, in 1904. On a beach, a man and his small daughter sit and watch a passing ship, maybe headed for America, a land not as pretty and lush as the one they’re in, but nevertheless, the little girl asks, “Can we go there?” And the man, her Da, apparently, says, “Perhaps, my little dreamer.” Aw.

Soon enough, it’s ten years later. A title places us in Gearrannan Village, and the little dreamer, Kirsty, has grown into a fine lass who’s still keen on getting the heck out. “I want more than planting potatoes and working the same land as my mum and da,” she declares. All the green grass and the stone houses with the thatched roofs don’t look so great if they’re all you’ve seen of life, I guess. “No boy is gonna want a girl with her head in the clouds,” one of Kirsty’s more provincial-minded friends advises.

But that friend is wrong. Kirsty’s sweetheart, Murdo ( Will Fletcher ), has his head in the clouds and his nose always in a book (including one by a new American poet, Robert Frost ) and is regularly mocked by the louts of the village. “You and your fancy talk, that’s all you have,” one of the louts rages. And yes, all of the dialogue is pretty much rife with cliché. And since historical-minded viewers will put two and two together and surmise that World War I is temporally just around the corner in this diegesis, they’ll also figure that tragedy awaits. But given how pretty the movie is—that is, pretty, not beautiful; while the settings may indeed be beautiful, every frame here has been location-scouted and dressed to a fare-thee-well that sucks all the life out of every image—the viewer might also rest easy at the near-certain prospect that The Unfortunate Events will be conveyed as antiseptically and tastefully as possible.

And indeed, they are. But they may not be the Unfortunate Events you are expecting. At the movie’s title event, a Scot Thing that’s also a way of seeing off the boys going Over There, Kirsty is raped and becomes pregnant. Rape is a violation that traumatizes, to be sure; this movie nevertheless continues down a relatively bland and anodyne path, which makes it peculiar. 

Directed by Richie Adams from a script Adams adapted from John MacKay ’s novel, the movie maintains the tone of a travelogue as Kirsty, played serviceably by Hermione Corfield , keeps mum as she awaits the not-quite-blessed event. Given the picture’s complete inability, even disinclination, to put any kind of emotional hook into the proceedings, what’s left of the film’s running time throws in a couple of plot twists, just as you’ve gotten the impression that everything’s going to continue to go down like a row of dominoes. We’re left with the pretty scenery and a free-floating sense of inconsequentiality.

Now playing in theaters and on VOD. 

Glenn Kenny

Glenn Kenny was the chief film critic of Premiere magazine for almost half of its existence. He has written for a host of other publications and resides in Brooklyn. Read his answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

Now playing

Sheila O'Malley

Simon Abrams

Matt Zoller Seitz

Peyton Robinson

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In

Brian Tallerico

Film credits.

The Road Dance (2023)

116 minutes

Hermione Corfield as Kirsty Macleod

Morven Christie as Mairi Macleod

Mark Gatiss as Doctor Maclean

Will Fletcher as Murdo Macaulay

Ali Fumiko Whitney as Annie Macleod

Ian Pirie as Constable Macrae

Jeff Stewart as Skipper

David Brooks as Kirsty’s Father

Felicity Keenan as Young Kirsty

Tom Byrne as Iain Ban

• Richie Adams

Writer (based on a novel by)

• John MacKay

Cinematographer

• Petra Korner
• Carlos José Alvarez

Latest blog posts

13 Films Illuminate Locarno Film Festival's Columbia Pictures Retrospective

Apple TV+'s Pachinko Expands Its Narrative Palate For An Emotional Season Two

Tina Mabry and Edward Kelsey Moore on the Joy and Uplift of The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

The Adams Family Gets Goopy in Hell Hole

Advertisement

Supported by

‘The Road Dance’ Review: A World War I Weepie

Based on a Scottish best seller, the movie is a standard period drama that arrives at hard truths with a hammy delivery.

• Share full article

By Beatrice Loayza

Set in the Outer Hebrides, a verdant archipelago to the west of mainland Scotland, “The Road Dance” is a standard period drama that arrives at hard truths with a hammy delivery.

Kirsty (Hermione Corfield) is a restless beauty living with her sister and mother in a remote crofting (small tenant farming) community. It’s the years around World War I, and forced conscriptions are sweeping the nation — including Kirsty’s beau, a poetry-reading softy named Murdo (Will Fletcher).

Before Murdo and three other local men are shipped off to the Western Front, the village honors them with a night of dance and drink. It’s here that Kirsty will be violently raped, an assault which the director, Richie Adams, depicts blurrily, unfolding in darkness.

Adapted from the 2002 Scottish best seller by John MacKay, this run-of-the-mill weepie spends the bulk of its time detailing the aftermath of the attack. Kirsty becomes pregnant, and she’s forced to conceal not just her physical state but her mental trauma from the snooping members of her ultrareligious town. Cryptic sermon scenes about sinners and Satan play throughout Kirsty’s ordeal, raising the stakes — though Kirsty’s not the only one who has gone through hell and back in these parts, as evidenced by a whisper network of wizened women who band together to pull her through.

The culprit remains unknown until the bitter end, a revelation served with a bland sort of twist — that any man is capable of such violence. It’s an uninspired take, along with the use of rape as a plot device.

Shifting between stagy sincerity and startling realism (the labor scene is particularly colorful), “The Road Dance” is a vividly rendered, if ultimately schematic portrait of feminine resilience.

The Road Dance Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 56 minutes. In theaters and on demand .

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

How to Help Kids Build Character Strengths with Quality Media

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

The road dance.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 0 Reviews
• Kids Say 0 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Sweeping Scottish drama has sexual assault, suicide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Road Dance is a captivating Scottish drama -- based on a bestselling book -- that deals with mature themes, including rape, suicide, and the aftermath of World War I. The central character, Kirsty (Hermione Corfield), shows courage, integrity, and perseverance within a stifling…

Why Age 15+?

Mention of death at war, and families seen mourning. Reference to death of fathe

Characters drink whiskey, calling it "God's medicine," and a number of people ar

Occasional language includes "bastard" and "whore."

No nudity. Kisses on lips.

Any Positive Content?

Strength can be found in women supporting women. People in positions of trust an

Kirsty is intelligent, reading regularly and dreaming of a better life. She show

Strong gender roles in keeping with the 1910s era and remote location. Men drink

Violence & Scariness

Mention of death at war, and families seen mourning. Reference to death of father to cancer. Rape shown on-screen, in low lighting, with victim's head hit against a rock, resulting in bloody face -- bloodied underwear is later shown. Universal conscription means teenage boys go to war on the Western Front -- scenes of shooting and explosions, including injury and death. Punch in the face. Painful binding of stomach to hide pregnancy. Baby delivered on-screen, with screaming, cutting of chord, and blood. A dead baby is shown in a blanket. A character attempts to take their own life, jumping off a cliff. Suicide heard off-screen via gunshot.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Characters drink whiskey, calling it "God's medicine," and a number of people are seen visibly drunk at a celebration. Doctor gives teenager whiskey to dull pain. Wine is consumed with meals.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Strength can be found in women supporting women. People in positions of trust and power can't always be trusted. Don't judge on first appearances. Hope is a powerful force. Courage, integrity, and perseverance are important character strengths.

Positive Role Models

Kirsty is intelligent, reading regularly and dreaming of a better life. She shows a level of self-assurance that means she makes her own choices in a society where they are limited, and shows the courage, integrity, and perseverance to maintain her identity alongside her survival. Her boyfriend, Murdo, is also studious and reads regularly despite being teased by locals. He shows a strong moral foundation, puts his friends' safety ahead of his own at war, and is caring and respectful toward Kirsty. Kirsty's mother is protective of her girls. She wants them to fit into society, but is also understanding and proves she'll do anything for them in a crisis -- despite the potential fallout. Some others in the village are seen to be judgmental and to abuse their positions of power and trust.

Diverse Representations

Strong gender roles in keeping with the 1910s era and remote location. Men drink whiskey together, women expected to stay "pure" and marry a man of enough means to support them. The female characters within the central family are strong, supportive, and resourceful, and express an anger about the injustice of the community. Main female character is clever, reads, dreams, and doesn't want to settle -- showing autonomy in choosing her own boyfriend. Even the pious older woman of the village shows a level of support following a rape, saying the constable has a choice in the investigation, while the girl who was raped did not. Characters are exclusively White.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Parents need to know that The Road Dance is a captivating Scottish drama -- based on a bestselling book -- that deals with mature themes, including rape, suicide, and the aftermath of World War I. The central character, Kirsty ( Hermione Corfield ), shows courage, integrity, and perseverance within a stifling community. Religion features prominently, with scenes in church, praying, and sermons about sin and Hell. The rape itself is shown on-screen, in low lighting, and there are war scenes involving shooting and explosions, as well as death and injury. The death of a baby is also shown and there are several attempts at suicide, one of which is successful, though this occurs off-screen. Characters drink whiskey and wine, with some seen drunk at a celebration. Sweeping Scottish landscapes, strong acting and a theme of survival in the face of adversity make it an engaging watch, though younger teens and children will likely find it slow and serious, and may be troubled by the mature content. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

In THE ROAD DANCE, teenager Kirsty ( Hermione Corfield ) lives in a small, religious community in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland in the early 20th century. She and her boyfriend, Murdo (Will Fletcher), have dreams of escaping the humdrum for an exciting new start in the United States. But, when he and the other young men of the village are conscripted to war, a celebration to mark their leaving leads to violence, secrets, and tragedy.

Is It Any Good?

Introduced by pipe music and sweeping, rugged landscapes, and focusing in on a remote religious community, this drama "inspired by true events" threatens to be a generic and decidedly earnest affair. However, what unfolds in The Road Dance is an engaging, beautifully filmed, and intimately acted tale of trauma, grief, resilience, and hope. In the central role, Corfield is one to watch, giving a quietly powerful performance as Kirsty, while Mark Gatiss as the village doctor, Fletcher as Murdo, and Morven Christie as Kirsty's mother also deserve a mention. It's a subtle but impactful film, showing the power of women to gather round in crisis amid the shaky foundations of a religious, patriarchal community, which will likely satisfy fans of John MacKay's bestselling novel.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how gender was portrayed in The Road Dance . What did it say about its small community, and the wider beliefs and expectations of society in the early 20th century?

Kirsty showed courage , integrity , and perseverance . Why are these important character strengths ? Can you think of times you've shown any of them in your life?

Discuss the movie's violence . Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?

What do you know about World War I? Did you learn anything new about it from this film? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.

The movie was based on a book. Have you read the novel and, if so, how do the two compare? What do you think are some of the challenges in adaptation? Can you think of any successful or unsuccessful adaptations, and how do they compare?

Movie Details

• In theaters : October 13, 2023
• On DVD or streaming : December 12, 2023
• Cast : Hermione Corfield , Will Fletcher , Mark Gatiss
• Director : Richie Adams
• Inclusion Information : Female actors, Gay actors
• Studio : Parkland Entertainment
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : Book Characters , Brothers and Sisters , History
• Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
• Run time : 116 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : May 4, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

What to watch next.

A Room with a View

Movies based on books, drama movies that tug at the heartstrings, related topics.

• Perseverance
• Book Characters
• Brothers and Sisters

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

• About Rotten Tomatoes®
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Prime Video
• Most Popular Streaming Movies
• Certified Fresh Movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• 79% Blink Twice Link to Blink Twice
• 96% Strange Darling Link to Strange Darling
• 86% Between the Temples Link to Between the Temples

New TV Tonight

• -- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 2
• -- Only Murders in the Building: Season 4
• -- Kaos: Season 1
• -- City of God: The Fight Rages On: Season 1
• -- Here Come the Irish: Season 1
• -- Terminator Zero: Season 1
• -- Horror's Greatest: Season 1
• -- After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

• 92% Bad Monkey: Season 1
• 100% Dark Winds: Season 2
• 78% Star Wars: The Acolyte: Season 1
• -- Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War: Season 1
• 96% Industry: Season 3
• 55% The Umbrella Academy: Season 4
• 86% Average Joe: Season 1
• 100% Pachinko: Season 2
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• 100% Pachinko: Season 2 Link to Pachinko: Season 2
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

The Crow Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer

The Crow Movies In Order

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Poll: Vote for Your Most Anticipated TV or Streaming Show of September

Poll: Vote for Your Most Anticipated Movie of September

• Trending on RT
• Verified Hot Movies
• Renewed and Cancelled TV
• Emmy Nominees
• Popular Movies

The Road Dance Reviews

A serendipity of a movie with twists and turns I absolutely did not see coming.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Oct 28, 2023

Essentially a period tearjerker about a woman’s resilience in the face of tragedy, but an evocative, emotionally effective one, anchored by a powerful lead performance by Hermione Corfield.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Oct 26, 2023

A small beauty, old-fashioned in emotion and technique, a pocket epic shot in the 4:3 Academy ratio of the earliest feature films. The storytelling is old-fashioned, but its raptures dear; the landscapes are timeless. Hopeful, it sweeps, even soars.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Oct 16, 2023

Carrying most of the burden is Corfield, who is outstanding. The actor channels Kirsty’s despair in a way that cuts straight to your heart. You simply can’t take your eyes off her, her conviction in the role a force to be reckoned with.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Oct 15, 2023

We’re left with the pretty scenery and a free-floating sense of inconsequentiality.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Oct 13, 2023

Scottish Gothic-romantic entry boasts fine lead turn by Hermione Corfield and sweeping novelistic detail.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Oct 13, 2023

Strong performances and striking visuals elevate this true-life Scottish melodrama above its narrative conventions.

Full Review | Oct 13, 2023

... committed acting performances, particularly by the primary trio of Corfield, Morven Christie, and Ali Fumiko Whitney (the latter as Kirsty’s mother and sister), elevate this film far beyond what the rather mundane scripting gives them to work with.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Oct 13, 2023

An old-fashioned melodrama, The Road Dance isn't quite up to the task of tackling the severity of the traumatic event at its core.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Oct 13, 2023

The result has neither the full force of realism nor the emotional pleasures of melodrama; what it most calls to mind is something seen and half-forgotten on PBS.

Full Review | Oct 12, 2023

A standard period drama that arrives at hard truths with a hammy delivery.

“The Road Dance” is well worth a turn on the dance floor, delivering nicely on the time you invest in these characters and their situation.

Full Review | Oct 9, 2023

However, what unfolds in The Road Dance is an engaging, beautifully filmed, and intimately acted tale of trauma, grief, resilience, and hope.

Full Review | May 23, 2023

The commanding sense of place is most memorable in this naturalistic story of female bonding, a sweeping, sensitive melodrama about the consequences of a single violent act in a remote community

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 23, 2022

… a handsome production that is striving for an emotionality that it cannot deliver because it fails to utterly commit to the protagonist.

Full Review | Original Score: 13/20 | Dec 12, 2022

Photographed in the old-fashioned pre-wide-screen 3 x 4 ratio, the film is simple but, in its small way, quite memorable.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 9, 2022

The Road Dance is elevated by the simply stunning turns of both Fletcher and Corfield, the latter especially grand in the type of performance that feels as if we’re watching an actress just before she breaks through to public awareness.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 7, 2022

... You can forgive the cliches because their implausibilities are overshadowed by the craggy grandeur of the island itself, with its huddled stone cottages and the closeness of those who dwell in them.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 7, 2022

The Road Dance is a sweeping epic of a type we don't see much of any more.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 1, 2022

…if you can handle the subject, then The Road Dance has enough good acting and narrative energy to make for a fairly gripping entertainment…

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 27, 2022

The Road Dance review — a dark tale of loss and regret

The road dance is a period drama based on the best-selling novel by john mackay..

Based on the best-selling novel by John MacKay, The Road Dance is a period drama set in the picturesque but bleak Outer Hebrides in the early twentieth century. It is a place where, as one character states, “even the sea comes to die.” Young Kirsty Macleod is a dreamer who imagines a life far away from her small village on the Isle of Lewis and her drab routine of potato-planting and bible studies. Her daydreams and innocent courtship with the sensitive Murdo “books” MacAulay come to a crashing halt one tragic night, on the eve of First World War conscription when her life is shattered after a savage attack.

It’s at the Road Dance — an event set up to honor the young men of the village who are heading off to fight in the war — that Kirsty is raped by an unknown assailant. As would have been so common then she feels she has no option but to stay quiet and to keep her assault a secret. It’s a decision that haunts her and has consequences for everyone around her.

A talented young cast is joined by Mark Gatiss, playing the village doctor who helps Kirsty after the attack and Morven Christie as Kirsty’s God-fearing, but kindly, single parent, Mairi. It’s a difficult watch, mostly because the film skips from grey and dour, to heart-wrenchingly desolate. You won’t get much of a sense of Scots humor or community in The Road Dance . Here, life is hard and everyone suffers. And yet along with the poverty, the war and traumatic events, there’s an attempt to evoke a more heart-warming sense of nostalgia, through the use of sea-shanties, slo-mo folk dances and cinematic shots of the Hebridean landscapes — the two moods often jar uncomfortably. The film is downbeat but the cast — in particular, Hermione Corfield in the pivotal lead role — delivers an assured performance that just about manages to hold both sides of the tale together. 

Stars Hermione Corfield ( The Misfits, Endeavour ), Mark Gatiss ( Doctor Who , Sherlock , Game of Thrones ), Will Fletcher ( The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power ) and Morven Christie ( The Bay , Grantchester ).

The Road Dance is out in theaters now.

I've worked in content strategy, editorial and audience development for leading film and TV companies for over 15 years. Always fascinated by digital trends, I'm currently obsessed with FilmTok. You can also find me extolling the virtues of classic TV shows like Fringe, Smallville and The West Wing, romance movies, Wong Kar Wei's back catalogue and anything that involves Monty Don/Gardener's World.

Underrated 2024 movie from a Coen Brother makes it way to Prime Video

Blockbuster movie season is over, so let's get weird with remaining August movies

The Traitors gets celebrity version — might Tom Daley appear?

Most Popular

• 2 Vicar of Dibley's Dawn French to star in new BBC1 sitcom
• 3 The Young and the Restless spoilers: Jack goes behind Kyle's back to help him
• 4 Underrated 2024 movie from a Coen Brother makes it way to Prime Video
• 5 Blockbuster movie season is over, so let's get weird with remaining August movies

The Road Dance REVIEW – A Surprisingly Powerful Period Drama

The Road Dance is a gripping and captivating tale.

Looking at the poster for The Road Dance, you’d think this was just another saccharine, overly-sentimental period drama – with happy people, picturesque scenery, and our lead character looking wistfully into the distance taking centre stage. And the opening of the film does little to convince you otherwise, exploring an idyllic, tight-knit community in the Outer Hebrides as they undergo everyday tasks and share stories around the campfire.

Yet when the aforementioned lead character, Kirsty (Hermione Corfield), is the victim of a horrific crime, you quickly realise that this idealised introduction has been something of a bait and switch, luring you into a false sense of security before the real drama of the story kicks in.

While struggling to navigate the aftermath of this crime – as she slowly tries to piece together both what happened to her and who is responsible – Kirsty is faced with further heartbreak, as her new love interest, Murdo (Will Fletcher), is called to serve in the First World War.

Based on the book of the same name by author John MacKay, this is a surprisingly gripping story that dives into incredibly sensitive issues with impressive levels of empathy and compassion. Director Richie Adams deserves great credit for handling a challenging tale, and several delicate subjects, with grace and poise – refusing to exploit tragedy for melodrama, but instead interrogating the impact trauma can have on real people.

Right now, as the right to abortion in the United States is under threat , and the wellbeing of women in the West is increasingly being overlooked, the messages of this film hit harder than Adams would have likely expected when he first took on this project – feeling almost educational in their relevance to the modern day.

Corfield also deserves credit for her work in what is undoubtedly a complex role, demonstrating the extensive emotional impact of Kirsty’s experiences with remarkable self-assuredness. This is a character who is put through so much, and is in a position of such vulnerability, but Corfield underpins her portrayal with a steel and resilience that provides an uplifting sense of optimism, even in periods of intense sorrow.

Those behind the camera do an outstanding job, too, helping to create an immersive and believable world for these characters to live in – with the costumes, sets and sound design all feeling convincing and authentic. And in an era of cinema where green screens and shooting on sound stages seems all the rage, it is refreshing to see a production team brave the elements on location to further absorb the audience into the narrative.

Despite all the positives, though, The Road Dance isn’t perfect. Some plot developments are awfully predictable, with certain big reveals failing to land as forcefully as hoped. At times, the dialogue is a little on-the-nose, particularly in the more corny moments between Kirsty and Murdo. And at nearly two hours, the runtime is slightly too long, often running the risk of losing the audience’s attention.

This is an effective, immersive and brilliantly-crafted tale of tragedy and resilience. Although the book is set over a century ago, Adams ensures that the film feels fresh and pertinent, delivering poignant messages with empathy and sensitivity. After this impressive outing, he could well be on the road to greatness.

READ NEXT: 10 Movies Like Avatar You Should Watch

Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site.

Gamezeen is a Zeen theme demo site. Zeen is a next generation WordPress theme. It’s powerful, beautifully designed and comes with everything you need to engage your visitors and increase conversions.

Latest Reviews

Chip n’ dale: rescue rangers review – glorious meta goodness, father of the bride (2022) review – a charming update, solar opposites: season 3 review – alien patchwork, destroy all humans 2 – reprobed (xbox series x) review – not out of this world.

• Alone in the Dark 2024
• Announcements
• Assassin's Creed Mirage
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
• Blu-Ray Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Cheats & Codes
• Crunchyroll
• Discworld Discussions
• Disney Plus
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• Football Manager 2024
• Game Previews
• Game Reviews
• Games To Play Before You Die
• Gaming Tips & Guides
• Grand Theft Auto 6
• Indie Gaming
• Make the Case
• Memorable Moments
• Movie Reviews
• Movies To See Before You Die
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• PlayStation Plus
• Prime Video
• Q&A Interviews
• Short Stories
• Video Game Release Dates
• Video Games
• Where To Watch
• Writing Tips
• Xbox Game Pass
• Xbox Series X | S

Subscribe Today

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

The Road Dance

A young girl lives in the Outer Hebrides in a small village in the years just before WWI. Isolated and hard by the shore, her life takes a dramatic change when a terrible tragedy befalls her... Read all A young girl lives in the Outer Hebrides in a small village in the years just before WWI. Isolated and hard by the shore, her life takes a dramatic change when a terrible tragedy befalls her. A young girl lives in the Outer Hebrides in a small village in the years just before WWI. Isolated and hard by the shore, her life takes a dramatic change when a terrible tragedy befalls her.

• Richie Adams
• John MacKay
• Hermione Corfield
• Will Fletcher
• Mark Gatiss
• 30 User reviews
• 19 Critic reviews
• 54 Metascore

Top cast 55

• Kirsty Macleod

• Murdo MacAulay

• Doctor Maclean
• Kirsty's Father
• Young Kirsty

• Mairi Macleod

• Annie Macleod

• Calum Morrison

• Angus MacSween

• Mack Morrison
• Morag Morrison
• Minister MacIver

• Aileen MacAuley

• Alasdair MacAulay
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia PROLOGUE: "To be what we are and to become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life. --- Robert Lewis Stevenson"

User reviews 30

• Boristhemoggy
• Sep 20, 2022
• How long is The Road Dance? Powered by Alexa
• October 13, 2023 (United States)
• United Kingdom
• Gdy byłeś daleko
• Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK (on location)
• Sheridan Road Productions,
• Uinta Productions
• Wind Chill Media Group
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• Oct 15, 2023

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 56 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed.

• LET'S TALK
• LET'S EAT
• FAMILY & EDUCATION
• SOCIAL & PERSONAL
• JEWISH WORDS
• JEWISH HOW TOS
• RABBI I HAVE A PROBLEM
• EDUCATIONAL
• PROFESSIONAL
• THE FRESSER
• THE SCHMOOZE

Sign up to The JC newsletter

The road dance film review: "a lot to love about this small yet surprisingly effective romantic drama".

Two stunning central performances make this a cosy afternoon watch if nothing more

BY Linda Marric

Film| Cert: 15 | ★★★★✩

Adapted by writer-director Richie Adams (Of Mind and Music) from John MacKay’s hugely popular novel of the same name, this Scottish romantic drama is set on an island in the Outer Scottish Hebrides on the eve of the First World War. It stars Hermione Corfield (Rust Creek, Fallen), newcomer Will Fletcher (soon to be appearing in a new Lord of the Rings TV series) and comedy writer and prolific actor Mark Gatiss. The film won the Audience Award at the Edinburgh Film Festival in 2021. Kirsty MacLeod (Corfield) dreams of a better life away from the isolation of her small village on an island in the Outer Hebrides. Suppressing her dreams of freedom, Kirsty is heartbroken when her lover Murdo (Will Fletcher) is conscripted for service in the war and is soon to set off and fight alongside other young men from the village. Catastrophe strikes when a “road dance” held in honour of those heading to the front ends in tragedy for the young woman. While not entirely without fault — the stereotypical Scottish jollity often feels jarringly gauche and more than a little wince-inducing — there is a lot to love about this small yet surprisingly effective romantic drama. Thematically, The Road Dance does a great job of highlighting the struggles of young women at the turn of the last century. While not providing an explicitly feminist approach to the story, writer-director Richie Adams should be commended for his delicate handling the subject of rape and violence against women, which he does with impressive dexterity and attention to detail. Contrivances aside, The Road Dance is often elevated by two stunning central performances courtesy Corfield and Fletcher, while Petra Korner’s stunning cinematography gorgeously captures the arid solitude of Hebridean landscape. All of which is sure to make for a cosy afternoon watch if nothing more.

The non-Jewish playwright teaching Edinburgh Fringe audiences about antisemitism

Remembering the golden age of the New York Jewish intellectual male

Why I’d rather tough it out than take painkillers

The Jewish rom-com that tells you everything you ever wanted to know about platonic love

Between the Temples review: ‘excruciating in the best way’

Have the JC delivered to your door

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details....

©2024 The Jewish Chronicle

• Advertising
• Terms & Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Privacy policy

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

The Road Dance review – boiling fury in tale of rape and denial in the Hebrides

There’s a wild rage against the backdrop of amazing landscape in an adaptation of John MacKay’s novel about a sex assault in a crofting community

T his Scottish period drama is “inspired” by true events and adapted from a novel by John MacKay, who says he based his book on something told to him as a boy: a story about a newborn baby found floating in the sea near his grandparents’ house in the Outer Hebrides. It struck me watching the film that it must really inspired by thousands of true events unrecorded by history: of women being raped and keeping silent out of fear – afraid of being blamed or not believed at all. Otherwise, it’s a heartfelt, nostalgic film with traditional, almost old-fashioned, storytelling, and acting that feels a bit stiff in places. Though there’s nothing inhibited about the wild beauty of the Hebridean landscape photographed by cinematographer Petra Korner.

It’s set in 1916 in a crofting community on Lewis, where village beauty Kirsty (Hermione Corfield) wants more from life than planting potatoes. She’s devoted to her mother and sister but dreams of emigrating to the United States with her poetry-reading love interest, Murdo (Will Fletcher). But first he must go to fight on the western front. It’s at a dance to wave off the village’s half-dozen or so men of fighting age – teenagers, really – that the rape happens. Afterwards, the local doctor ( Mark Gatiss ) treats Kirsty’s injuries with tact and delicacy – it seems like an act of kindness, but he makes the rape her secret. She tells no one.

What follows is the familiar story of pregnancy and denial. Kirsty hides her baby bump, but a godfearing local gossip catches a whiff of something not quite right. The lesson here is that Kirsty’s tiny village is both small-minded and big-hearted. Like I say, it’s sentimental, though the way Kirsty is helped by women boiling with fury at the injustice does feel modern.

• Drama films
• Romance films
• Period and historical films
• Film adaptations
• Rape and sexual assault

Most viewed

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

• Our network

The Sydney Morning Herald

This was published 1 year ago

There’s little joy to be found in the harsh and secretive Road Dance

By sandra hall, save articles for later.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

The Road Dance ★★★½ (M) 117 minutes

If I say that The Road Dance is set in 1916 on a windblown little island in the Outer Hebrides, you’ll get the picture. It’s a typical cold climate film. We’re in the land of melancholy with tragedy looming just beyond the frame.

Hermione Corfield in a scene from The Road Dance. Credit: Umbrella Entertainment / Maslow

Kirsty Macleod (Hermione Corfield) is much admired by all the island’s young men and her mother, Mairi (Morven Christie), is hoping that she’ll play safe and choose to marry a local farmer who has enough money to build a house of his own. Kirsty, however, has other ideas. She’s in love with Murdo MacAulay (Will Fletcher), a bookish romantic who’s clinched the deal by introducing her to the poetry of Robert Frost.

They are planning to build a new life together in America until World War I intervenes. When universal conscription is announced, Murdo must go off to fight alongside the rest of his friends, and the road dance is their farewell – a gathering where the village comes together to dance, sing and celebrate the men’s courage.

Kirsty is doing her best to enjoy herself but at one point in the evening, she sneaks off for some time alone and she’s attacked and left unconscious with a cut on her head. When she comes to, she can’t identify her attacker, but she does know that she’s been raped.

A scene from The Road Dance. Credit: Umbrella Entertainment / Maslow

Richie Adams’ film is an adaptation of a 2002 novel by Scottish news presenter John Mackay, whose family come from the Hebridean island of Lewis, where the shoot took place. It’s loosely based on a true story, which he first heard from one of his cousins, but it has that peculiar mixture of the predictable and the implausible that you often find in melodrama. Truth can be stranger than fiction. It can also be studded with cliches. After all, cliches become that way only because they encapsulate familiar truths.

In this case, you can forgive the cliches because their implausibilities are overshadowed by the craggy grandeur of the island itself, with its huddled stone cottages and the closeness of those who dwell in them. It’s as if the village is precariously anchored at the world’s outer edge where the forces of wind and water hold sway and human beings survive only if they can learn to read the moods of these temperamental elements.

It’s a strongly religious community, which can be both comfort and irritation – a fact reflected in the subtleties of the script’s references to old grudges and intimacies. In this regard, cliches do not have a role, and Adams’ strong cast breathe life into a rich gallery of characters with a long and eventful history together.

The Road Dance is in cinemas from December 8.

A cultural guide to going out and loving your city. Sign up to our Culture Fix newsletter here .

• See & Do

Most Viewed in Culture

The Road Dance review – a remote and distant Scottish period drama

Great performances and rich atmosphere can't draw attention away from this film’s muddied sexual assault plot

17 May 2022

In a small village in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, silence is a virtue. In Richie Adams’ atmospheric period drama, The Road Dance , the nattering of local gossip, the roar of the ocean, and the village band’s music flow in the Scottish breeze from one frame to the next. But beyond the majestic coastal visuals of its setting, this adaptation of John MacKay’s novel of the same name falls flat in an attempt to portray oppression under a patriarchal society.

The Road Dance introduces its young protagonist Kirsty (Hermione Corfield) as the clouds of the First World War begin to blanket a small community on the Isle of Lewis. Kirsty’s dreams of escaping this isolation and venture across the pond are keeping her hope alive. In this respect, she resembles Little Women ’s Jo, a young woman before her time trapped in a place she has outgrown. Kirsty’s Laurie is Murdo (Will Fletcher), a young poetry-loving man who is called on for military service which disrupts their fated romance. As dusk settles and the village bids farewell to the young men leaving for England, Kirsty is pushed to the ground and raped.

In spite of the excellent production design and costumes, and the breadth of these landscapes, it’s unfortunate The Road Dance ’s script is hellbent on a heavy-handed plot of sexual assault. The depiction of Kirsty’s rape is reductive and defaults to cliché period drama tropes. The film’s avenues for sensitivity are established and then abandoned. Male voices dominate this story of a young woman’s trauma, from the Robert Louis Stevenson opening quote to the male gazey direction when it comes to the brutal portrayal of sexual assault and women victims.

Kirsty is left alone and terrified in the expansive frames of ​​cinematographer Petra Korner’s camera which makes the Outer Hebrides look like a landscape painting. It is in these wide shots of wilderness that Kirsty confronts her distressing isolation, leaving her to ponder the fate of herself and her unborn child. “Is every sin the same then? Are they all equal?” she asks, a bite behind her words as she comes to terms with the true horror of her situation.

Even the sizeable talent of this period piece can’t alleviate some of the melodramatic character writing. However, the more experienced presence of Morven Christie and Mark Gatiss brings a gentle touch to proceedings as the younger cast navigate the emotionally-charged dramatics. Though her character may not be provided with any favours, Corfield is fantastic. Her performance pierces through the grey clouds, though it can’t liven up the muted colour palette and a swerving script that insists on extrapolating this woman’s suffering.

The Road Dance is released in UK cinemas from 20 May.

More Reviews...

The Innocent review – 60s-inspired heist movie with an existential twist

In his fourth feature film, writer-director Louis Garrel explores with wit and tenderness the risk and worth of second chances

Baato review – Nepal’s past and future collide in an immersive, fraught documentary

A mountain trek intertwines with a road-building project, granting incisive, if underpowered, insight into a much underseen world

The Beanie Bubble review – a grim new low for the “corporate biopic” genre

With none of the saving graces of Tetris, Air, or Barbie, this ambition-free look at the Beanie Baby craze is pure mediocrity

Everybody Loves Jeanne review – thoroughly modern fable of grief, romantic confusion, and climate anxiety

Celine Deveaux's French-Portuguese debut can be too quirky for its own good, but a fantastically written lead character keeps it afloat

Repertory Rundown: What to Watch in London This Week, From Little Women to Sergio Leone

From classics to cult favourites, our team highlight some of the best one-off screenings and re-releases showing this week in the capital

Repertory Rundown: What to Watch in London This Week, From Coppola to Cross of Iron

20 Best Films of 2023 (So Far)

With the year at the halfway point, our writers choose their favourite films, from daring documentaries to box office bombs

Repertory Rundown: What to Watch in London This Week, From Mistress America to The Man Who Wasn’t There

Film Review: The Road Dance is a sweeping, sensitive melodrama elevated by lush performances and fetching cinematography

• December 8, 2022
• Film & TV
• Hermione Corfield
• The Road Dance
• Will Fletcher

A sweeping melodrama that harkens back to a time when such tales filled local cinemas, The Road Dance would almost be a lush theatrical experience, with its traditional, old-fashioned storytelling, if it wasn’t for one crucial element of its narrative that grounds it in an unpleasant reality.

Based on a novel by John McKay , itself “inspired” by a true story of supposed Scottish lore, there’s an initial beauty to Richie Adams ‘s drama where the Outer Hebrides in 1916 serve as the backdrop to Kirsty ( Hermione Corfield ) and her desire to want more out of her life.  She’s a devoted sister and daughter, but she wants an excitement in her life that she believes only the United States can give her, and so an emigration with her lover, Murdo ( Will Fletcher ), is imminent.

Before that can happen though Murdo is sent to the frontlines of the first world war.  At a celebratory send-off in the village – the titular road dance is organised to say goodbye to the soldiers-in-waiting – Kirsty, already suffering heartbreak in Murdo’s departure, is attacked and brutally raped; the sequence, whilst unpleasant, thankfully doesn’t linger too long.  She tells no one of her assault.

From here on The Road Dance navigates its story with delicacy and sensitivity, even if it is, at times, a little contrived.  Despite its subject matter, Adams does a commendable job in handling as such.  For a film that details violence against women and notes their struggles, the director doesn’t pander by taking a feminist approach.  Rather, he’s respectful in nature across the board, allowing his characters to feel like true, lived-in people, as opposed to them being devices for the sake of plot development.

Whatever shortcomings there are with the story – it eventually leans into the small-minded but big-hearted temperament of the village in the aftermath of Kirsty’s attack that results in a pregnancy she tries to keep secret from the townspeople – The Road Dance is elevated by the simply stunning turns of both Fletcher and Corfield, the latter especially grand in the type of performance that feels as if we’re watching an actress just before she breaks through to public awareness.  It’s also one of the most fetching looking films of the year too, with Petra Korner ‘s cinematography capturing the scorched seclusion of the Hebridean landscape.

THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

The Road Dance is now screening in select Australian theatres.

Related Posts:

• Film Review: Dylan & Zoey tackles sensitive subject matter in an…
• Film Review: The Protege is a serviceable action film elevated by its cast
• Film Review: The Lost City is a playful romp elevated by the charm of…
• Film Review: Vacation Friends is a familiarly-minded comedy elevated by…
• Red Rocket is a naturalistic dark comedy elevated by an astonishing,…
• Film Review: Little Dixie is a dirty actioner elevated by the vulnerable…

Seasoned film critic. Gives a great interview. Penchant for horror. Unashamed fan of Michelle Pfeiffer and Jason Momoa.

The Road Dance

By Bradley Gibson | March 12, 2022

The Scottish drama  The Road Dance , based on a novel by John MacKay, is set in the wild, craggy cliffs of the Outer Hebrides islands at the beginning of World War I. Young Kirsty (Hermione Corfield) loves her home and family but has always wished for more than a quiet village life. Her ambitions were nurtured by her father, who taught Kristy to be strong and independent. But since his untimely death, she’s struggled to find the means to leave Scotland and see the world. Her town does have a few upsides, though, such as her burgeoning romance with Murdo (Will Fletcher).

Unfortunately, it’s cut short when all the young men are pressed into service to go and fight for Britain in the war. So the town organizes a Cèilidh (party) in the village thoroughfare to see them off, their sorrows and fears forgotten for a moment in music brightly played and rounds of the famous Scotch Whiskey. That night, events play out that destroy the dreams of Kirsty and Murdo, putting a traumatic burden on her.

“…events play out that destroy the dreams of Kirsty and Murdo …”

Writer-director Richie Adams has beautifully translated MacKay’s book into a cinematic journey of young love during wartime and the reversals of fortune that lead to tragedy. Kirsty is a dreamer constantly looking to the sea beyond the dramatic Scottish landscape. She planned a great adventure with Murdo, but everything is on hold because of the war, and now she thinks her life is ruined. The heavy lifting throughout The Road Dance falls to Corfield, who delivers a powerful performance. A strong ensemble supports her, and fans of Sherlock  will recognize Mark Gatiss as the village Doctor.

The film  is pure drama, a downbeat tale of quiet desperation and perseverance in the face of troubled times. Kirsty’s support from her father gives her the fortitude to manage the grief of her situation. Of course, in this time and place, women carried the weight of an oppressive patriarchy, limiting the choices for Kirsty. The small town farm culture she’s from heavily hampers her prospects as well, but the people living in the Outer Hebrides are as tough and hard as the weather that ceaselessly pounds the cliffs. When it comes to drama from this part of the world, the British take is well known, but smaller regions tend to get shortchanged, and this is a welcome addition for that reason. While it is Britbox material, to be sure, coming from Scotland makes for a lovely change of pace.

Adams commented about his motivation for making the film in a conversation with  The Scotsman , “…MacKay’s novel is a wonderful story. I initially fell in love with the characters and the idyllic setting, the young love juxtaposed with war-torn times. Being an American, the setting, the terrain, everything was so foreign to anything I’ve seen, and I was immediately captivated.” The quiet pace of  The Road Dance , along with the ebbs and flows of the events around the characters, give it an authenticity and space to feel the impact. You may be captivated just as the filmmaker and I were.

The Road Dance  screened at the 2022  Santa Barbara International Film Festival .

The Road Dance (2022)

Directed and Written: Richie Adams

Starring: Hermione Corfield, Will Fletcher, Mark Gatiss, Morven Christie, David Brooks, etc.

Movie score: 8/10

"…Corfield...delivers a powerful performance."

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Last Bus

A jolly romp through the world of mass transit, this is not. The Last Bus, brought to us by Scottish filmmaker Gillies MacKinnon, is a work containing an...

Fading Petals

Given that Fading Petals only has five, maybe six characters and three or four locations, it's easy to envision it as a play. However, don't let that deter...

Dara of Jasenovac

Extreme situations warp our experiences. When you are a prisoner in an extermination camp, there are no insignificant actions. Every action is a delicate...

Join our Film Threat Newsletter

The Road Dance: An interview with Will Fletcher and John Mackay

We spoke to actor Will Fletcher and author John Mackay about their much-anticipated new film The Road Dance , set on the Isle of Lewis during the First World War. The Road Dance is the story of how love, bravery and the power of community can overcome life-changing tragedy  

W hen watching The Road Dance for the first time, you get a strong feeling you know which way it will go. With the themes of war running throughout, in this case The Great War, which ravaged small communities such as the one depicted in the film, a viewer would lean towards thinking this would be the focus of the story. But they’d be wrong. The heartbreak and tragedy of sending young boys off to fight an enemy, thousands of miles away, for a seemingly unnecessary cause, makes for an emotional storyline itself. However, the real focus of the story is those left behind, and without giving too much away, how a series of tragedies affected one young girl and her family.  

Based on the 2002 novel of the same name by Scottish news presenter John Mackay, which itself is loosely based on a true story, The Road Dance is set on the beautiful, but wild and rugged Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, which has sometimes been called ‘the edge of the world.’  

The drama and harshness of the landscape contributes to the atmosphere of the film, but it also helps to highlight the power of this small community that, living such an isolated life within a strict religious culture, must band together in times like these.  

Kirsty Macleod, perfectly depicted by Hermione Corfield, is film’s strong female protagonist. She falls in love with Murdo MacAuley, a young boy from the community, played by Will Fletcher, and together they dream of leaving the island for the US, escaping the scrape of the land, the repression of the church and the inevitability of their lives if they stayed.  

However, when Murdo is conscripted their plans are scuppered, and it is what happens to Kirsty after the villagers hold a grand road dance to send their young men off to battle that becomes the focus of the story.  

As well as beautiful scenery, inspirational acting and frequent dramatic twists, expect an emotional journey, so keep your tissues at the ready. Even if you have read the book, there may be some surprises along the way.

The Making of The Road Dance

Will Fletcher plays Kirsty’s love interest Murdo in The Road Dance . We spoke to him to find out more about the challenges and highlights of filming on the Isle of Lewis and why this is such an important story to tell. 

Can you tell us a bit about Murdo’s character and his journey in the film?

“Murdo has never really fitted in but he finds a connection with Kirsty, and they dream together of life in America. And then, like war does, when it comes it throws everything off course. An audience might think it’s going one way, and then after the road dance, the whole story changes.  

What I loved about it as a project is that it is not a stereotypical war film. Instead it deals with the people left behind: a community ravaged by war. This film makes you realise what a life-changing affect the war had on communities like this. It changed everything”  

What were the biggest challenges of filming on the Isle of Lewis?

“The biggest challenge was the weather. I have never experienced anything so dramatic, it changed about four times an hour. We arrived in October, and the weather got increasingly worse each day. Overall, though, the locations were incredible, and the weather certainly adds to the drama of the film. We’d be doing the first take and you’d see these enormous grey clouds racing towards us dramatically from the Atlantic. In some of the shots my face looked incredibly warped after a hailstorm, but then it is blue-sky weather in the shot! Wearing all that period costume on top of a hill was also very challenging – if the wind takes you when you’re wearing a cape, you’re out of there for sure!”

How did you go about researching your role?

“I had an extensive audition process, all during lockdown. When I was offered the role, I bought the book and found some great descriptions of Murdo. But everything changed when I arrived in the Outer Hebrides, and I realised the enormousness of where we were. I’m from the south of England, so I’m from a very different coastline. This was like a different world; it was so different to where I grew up.

“I sat in the accent for the whole time we were filming. A lot of the cast members grouped together and started practising together all the time; we practically lived in it. Initially I wanted to do a Hebridean accent but in the Outer Hebrides their first language is Gaelic, so they have a softer accent when they speak, which is very hard to do. I think I sound more like I’m from Edinburgh.”

What did you enjoy most about playing Murdo?

“Working on the set, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, which is a museum, was amazing. It is a restored village, originally built in the 1800s, that has been lost in time. We filled it up, rethatched the rooves and sprinkled manure all down the side of the road and it became this living village. It was almost like living the film rather than actually acting it.”

Why do you think The Road Dance is an important story to tell?

“What I love about it as a film is that it is character-driven. It doesn’t rely on the explosions, the pyrotechnics or the special effects. It is rooted in realism, and it is about one story in this world war, that affected so many people in so many different ways across the world. It tells the story of a young girl who was left behind, and how she rises up and shows strength and resilience in a world that is stacked against her.”

Did you have a favourite scene to film?

“The road dance itself. We had the whole cast together and we tried to keep spirits up and make it look like a party when a hurricane was coming in! There was also a swimming scene that was crazy to film, it was so cold. I had to just scream and run in.

“I loved the war scene too. They cleared an old quarry, and it was so atmospheric to act in. That was an amazing day, that all the boys really enjoyed.”

What was your favourite memory from making The Road Dance ?  

“That’s difficult, there really are so many. The cast all went for a day out in Harris, and we saw beautiful waterfalls and scenery. That was the last weekend, when the film had all been wrapped, so we were sad it was coming to an end, and it was good to have a day out altogether.  

“I also loved working with Hermione Corfield, she led from the front from the beginning. I watched her work and I felt supported, so that was great. All the cast really were wonderful to work with. We all had to band together and catch lightening in a bottle, and I think that’s what we did.”

Meet the author: John Mackay

We were also lucky enough to catch up with the author of The Road Dance, John MacKay, about writing and researching the book, the draw of the Isle of Lewis, and how it felt to have his novel adapted for film.

Your family are from the Outer Hebrides, do you visit often?

“I try to visit every year, often more than once. The Isle of Lewis is a touchstone for me. I still have aunts and cousins there, which adds to the pleasure of going.”

What do you think is so special about the Isle of Lewis?

“First and foremost, it is the land and seascape. The island beaches are beautiful and quiet and such a contrast to the hectic life of the city. Time slips away when you are sitting on a shoreline as the sea strokes the sand and the wind shifts around you. History is never far away, and I can see the marks of my forebears all around me and that gives me an incredibly strong connection.”

The story is loosely based on true events. How did you go about researching the book?

“I first heard the story – or what formed the core of my story – from a cousin in the Hebrides, and I was disbelieving at first, but it turned out to be true. I created a fictional story around it, but I couldn’t have written The Road Dance if I didn’t know that it was based on a truth. I researched old newspapers and found references to the original story. It was a very tragic case that happened some decades before my story, which is set around the outbreak of the First World War.”

What drew you to setting your novel on Lewis?

“It was the power of the story that drew me first. Everything else followed from there. I found that when I began writing The Road Dance , I had a strong sense of place and community because of my family connections and the time had spent there. After the positive reaction to The Road Dance , especially people’s appreciation of the setting, it made sense to set my other stories there. My most recent novel, Home (Luath Press 2021), could only have been set in the Western Isles because it charts the lives of different generations who pass through one home. That doesn’t really happen in urban areas.”

Is life still very different there compared to mainland Scotland/the cities?

“It has changed significantly since I first remember going and there are supermarkets and broadband and all that you would expect from modern living. It’s a different pace of life, though. But that’s part of the draw, I suppose.”

Why did you feel this was such an important story to tell?

“I’m a journalist by profession and what always grabs me is the story. I had an ambition to write a novel – as many of us do – and when I heard the story that formed the basis of The Road Dance, I knew that if I didn’t write it, I would never write anything.”

How does it feel having your book adapted for a film?

“It’s hugely exciting. It was a long road to get here with a lot of let downs along the way. At times I didn’t think it would happen and a lot of productions do fall by the wayside. But the American producers – Jim Kreutzer and Maryilene Blondell – were tenacious in wanting to make it happen because they believed so strongly in the story. The first time I saw the film on the silver screen was a special moment.”

Did you work closely with the director on the film’s adaptation?

“I did. I had a few conversations with Richie Adams, and he was very respectful of the book and sought my views on various aspects of the production. Of course, a film is very different from a novel and there is also a need to appeal to a wider – especially American – audience, so there have been some changes, but they always listened to what I had to say.”

I heard you and your sons make cameos in the film. Can you tell me more about that?

“We do, although blink and you’d miss it. One of my sons is a very good piper and I’d asked that he play the very small role of the piper, which the producers graciously agreed to. And because my other son and I were going to be on set anyway, we were roped into being extras in the scene of the actual road dance around which the film is based. It was great fun and lovely to see them on screen.”

Are you pleased with the film?

“I honestly am. The performances are great – Hermione Corfield in the lead role is outstanding – and the cinematography is glorious. Lewis looks wonderful in it. I am proud to be associated with it.”

How did it feel when the book won The Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival?

“It is really great to receive accolades – it also won the jury prize at the Manchester Film Festival – and to see the audience appreciation of the film. It gives me real confidence that audiences across the country will really enjoy the film too.”

You also have three other books in the ‘Lewis’ series – Heartland, Last of the Line, and Home, can you tell us a bit more about this?

“I’d never had any plans for what I would do after the publication of The Road Dance , but it was so well received that I was encouraged to write more. Heartland, Last of the Line , & Home are all set on Lewis and explore the themes of identity and belonging. Heartland is the story of a man who uncovers a family secret when he begins to reconstruct his old family home. Last of the Line is about questioning all you ever knew to be true about yourself, and Home is the story of the generations of one family from one home through a tumultuous century.”

Is there a chance of a film-version of these books too?

“I hope so. Heartland and Last of the Line would make good films or TV dramas, and Home lends itself to a longer TV series format. Hopefully, the success of The Road Dance might help that to happen.” 

Sporrans: The perfect pouch

Loch Lomond: On the bonnie, bonnie banks

The best Highland games in Scotland this summer

MORE FROM SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Lady’s rock, Mull: The story of Catherine Campbell

New issue: Issue 136 is here!

Win an outlander tour

Elizabeth Stuart: The could-have-been queen

The best train journeys in scotland

The glenturret lalique: whisky and two michelin-starred dining

Outlander filming locations in Scotland: The ultimate outlander tour

Win tickets to the enchanted forest light show and a stay in a luxury hotel

Red Moon Cruises: An idyllic way to see Scotland

Clootie dumplings: Proof of the pudding

Win an escape to the isle of arran

Edinburgh daytrips: 5 Scottish towns close to the capital

SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Published six times a year, every issue of Scotland  showcases its stunning landscapes and natural  beauty, and delves deep into Scottish history. From mysterious clans and famous Scots (both past and present), to the hidden histories of the country’s greatest castles and houses, Scotland ‘s pages brim with the soul and secrets of the country. Scotland magazine captures the spirit of this wild and wonderful nation, explores its history and heritage and recommends great places to visit, so you feel at home here, wherever you are in the world.

• Movie Reviews

‘The Road Dance’ Review – A Visually Stunning And Compelling Tale Of Resilience

• By Cody Allen
• October 25, 2023
• No Comments

The Road Dance, a Scottish drama elegantly translated from John MacKay’s novel onto the cinematic canvas by writer-director Richie Adams, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a young woman against the backdrop of World War I. Set against the wild and rugged cliffs of the Outer Hebrides, the film takes us on a captivating journey through the eyes of Kirsty, brilliantly portrayed by Hermione Corfield.

Kirsty, an ardent dreamer yearning for adventure beyond her tranquil village life, finds her aspirations nurtured by her late father, instilling in her the values of strength and independence. However, her dreams are momentarily stifled as the young men of the village, including her beloved Murdo MacAulay (Will Fletcher), are thrust into the turmoil of World War I. The film masterfully captures their bittersweet farewell during a heartfelt Cèilidh, where music, Scotch whiskey, and the promise of new beginnings momentarily overshadow the impending darkness of war.

As the events unfold, Kirsty’s dreams and her burgeoning romance with Murdo face a tragic and traumatic turning point. Hermione Corfield, who shoulders the weight of the narrative, delivers a powerful performance that resonates with authenticity. The supporting ensemble, including the familiar face of Mark Gatiss as the village Doctor, further enriches the storytelling. The Road Dance  stands as a testimony to the power of quiet desperation and unwavering determination amidst troubled times. In a society marked by patriarchal oppression and limited opportunities for women, Kirsty’s unwavering spirit finds its strength in the harsh yet resilient people of the Outer Hebrides.

This gem, born from MacKay’s enchanting novel, is a striking departure from the typical period piece. It paints a vivid portrait of Kirsty’s coming of age during the First World War, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the Scottish coast. The film’s authenticity shines through as it delves into the profound impact of war on isolated communities and the relentless struggle against patriarchal oppression. Richie Adams’s direction captures the raw beauty of the Scottish landscape, enveloping the audience in the allure of the Hebrides. The ensemble cast, led by Corfield, Will Fletcher, Tom Byrne, and Ali Fumiko Whitney, seamlessly weaves a sense of interconnectedness within the village, where one’s pain becomes the collective burden of all.

Yet, the story is not without its moments of cliché. The film occasionally leans into romantic tropes, diminishing the impact of certain plot points and the portrayal of sexual assault. While it doesn’t fully realize its potential as a powerful exploration of war’s scars on remote communities, it remains a visually stunning and engrossing period drama, a rare Scottish treasure. In a world where the value of an audience has never been more essential, The Road Dance emerges as a quietly powerful and moving film.

The film’s aesthetics are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the duality of Kirsty’s existence with grace. It evokes a sense of both freedom and loneliness in equal measure, and its feminist undertones offer a fresh perspective on war-time drama. In a departure from the trenches and war rooms, it delves into the untold stories of women left behind, waging their own battles during the tumultuous era. Hermione Corfield’s performance as Kirsty is nothing short of remarkable. She infuses the character with empathy, vulnerability, and an inner strength that promises to propel her to stardom. Fletcher’s portrayal of Murdo beautifully complements her character, creating a captivating synergy and dynamic that adds depth to the performance.

What truly sets this feature apart is its willingness to give its performers the space to shine. Lengthy, dialogue-heavy sequences reward the patient viewer and showcase the talents of the youthful cast. Morven Christie and Mark Gatiss bring depth and nuance to their supporting roles, enhancing the film’s overall impact. Amidst the emotional weight of the narrative, the film strikes a delicate balance between darkness and hope. It serves as a reminder that, even in the bleakest of times, light persists at the end of the tunnel.

The Road Dance is a touching and nostalgic movie that tugs at your emotions, beautifully portraying the spirit of a quaint village, complete with its close-knit community and open-heartedness. It may occasionally tread familiar ground and indulge in romanticism, but at its core, it is a story of resilience and camaraderie. The film’s sensitivity in handling challenging themes and its subtle, nuanced storytelling make it a compelling work of art. It’s a sentimental journey, and the support of women boiling with fury against injustice adds a modern touch to this period drama.

The Road Dance presents a beautifully crafted narrative, albeit with a few imperfections, that explores a woman’s unwavering resilience amidst adversity. The film skillfully weaves together moments of darkness and hope, handling challenging scenes with finesse, resulting in an outcome that is a captivating, visually stunning, and truly heartfelt story.

The Road Dance is currently playing in select theaters and is available on Digital platforms courtesy of Music Box Films. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbDSzYMQuPI]

The Road Dance presents a beautifully crafted narrative, albeit with a few imperfections, that explores a woman's unwavering resilience amidst adversity. The film skillfully weaves together moments of darkness and hope, handling challenging scenes with finesse, resulting in an outcome that is a captivating, visually stunning, and truly heartfelt story.

• User Ratings ( 0 Votes) 0

It all started when I was a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons like the Spider-Man: Animated Series and Batman. Since then I’ve been hooked to the world of pop culture. Huge movie lover from French New Wave, to the latest blockbusters, I love them all. Huge Star Wars and Marvel geek. When I’m free from typing away at my computer, you can usually catch me watching a good flick or reading the next best comic. Come geek out with me on Twitter @somedudecody.

Related Posts

‘Blink Twice’ (2024) Review – A Superb Script Make For A Frightening Reality

‘the crow’ (2024) review – third act blood-letting can’t save this lifeless & dull reboot, ‘greedy people’ review – an endearing, alarming trip to murder in small town america, elevated perceptions revolutionizes home entertainment with moviescent: the future of immersive viewing, connect with us.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Find Family Movies, Movie Ratings and Movie Reviews

The Road Dance Parent Guide

Despite the darkness in the story, this is a movie of hope, courage, and resilience..

Theaters and Online Rental: After a terrifying attack, Kirsty must keep her secrets and try to save her future.

Release date October 13, 2023

Run Time: 116 minutes

Get Content Details

The guide to our grades, parent movie review by kirsten hawkes.

Kirsty Macleod is a young woman with big plans. Born on a small croft in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, Kirsty wants more than a life spent digging potatoes out of the ground. She and her book-loving fiancé, Murdo MacAulay, plan to emigrate and start fresh in America. But it’s 1916 and Murdo is a British soldier caught up in the maelstrom of the Great War. Duty must come before dreams.

The night before the village boys leave for basic training, the community holds a road dance, featuring toe-tapping fiddle music and plenty of whiskey. Kirsty starts the evening dancing and ends it bloody and broken on the hillside. She has no memory of what happened to her, but within a few months, the consequences of the evening’s attack become inescapable…

Given the story’s plot, it’s not surprising that there is some negative content, although it is all carefully sanitized. A single scene of battlefield violence is brief and not graphic, although seeing families notified of their loss is heartrending. The sexual assault around which the story revolves is shot in such dim light that I had a hard time seeing any of the details, and the camera spends most of its time on Kirsty’s terrified face. That doesn’t reduce the horror of the attack (I felt nauseated watching it) but at least it eliminates graphic sexual detail. There are also on and off-screen suicides and attempted suicides, without blood.

For fans of period movies, The Road Dance offers a satisfying two hours. The story is compelling and occasionally surprising and it depicts the resilience and healing found in family relationships and female solidarity. I found myself alternately furious and gratified, appalled and uplifted as I watched Kirsty chart her path. She truly lives the words of Scottish poet, Robert Louis Stevenson, which are quoted at the start of the film: “To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.”

About author

Kirsten hawkes, watch the trailer for the road dance.

The Road Dance Rating & Content Info

Why is The Road Dance rated Not Rated? The Road Dance is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

Violence:   There’s oblique reference to death by drowning and mention of a death by cancer. A woman is attacked and sexually assaulted. There’s mention of death in battle. A man is shot in a scene of combat. A man shoots himself off screen: the gunshot is heard. Sexual Content: A man and woman kiss. A man punches another. In a very dimly lit scene, a woman is attacked and sexually assaulted. The scene is so dark that detail of the attack is unclear and most of the camera angles show her face, dazed and in pain. She is later seen with facial injuries and blood-stained underwear. Spoiler: A baby dies on screen. A suicidal person jumps off a cliff. Profanity: None noted. Alcohol / Drug Use: Adults drink whiskey at a party and some become intoxicated. A doctor gives a woman medication.

Page last updated July 4, 2024

The Road Dance Parents' Guide

The movie is loosely based on a true story. For more information, you can read:

The Telegraph:

The Road Dance: An Interview with Will Fletcher and John Mackay

Related home video titles:

A darker period tale involving sexual trauma is The Wonder , which is set in Ireland in the mid-19 th century.

A young Irish woman finds a fresh start – and some confusing questions of the heart – when she emigrates to Brooklyn.

Scottish, French, and German soldiers are all part of the World War I movie, Joyeux Noel .

In a tightly knit religious community, most of the women are drugged and raped. They come together to decide their future course in Women Talking .

Related news about The Road Dance

Best Movies of 2023

{parents:pull_quote}