The Fits

Oscilloscope | Release Date: June 3, 2016

6.6	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 55 Ratings

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User Reviews

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jmccafferyJul 30, 2016

The Fits is an understated, poetic look at growing up as a young girl. The film requires physical performances from its cast; dialogue is sparse, and often we are thrown in the middle of conversations that put context to the plot. We see theThe Fits is an understated, poetic look at growing up as a young girl. The film requires physical performances from its cast; dialogue is sparse, and often we are thrown in the middle of conversations that put context to the plot. We see the characters practice their craft and move through the community center that these young, inner city kids occupy. The camera stays on the main character, Toni, who is trying to move from the lone, masculine sport of boxing to a communal, feminine dance team. The creators used non-professional actors to give the film authenticity, while still providing a hint of strangeness in the plot. While it didn't completely hold my attention the whole time, it is rich with subtext while providing a complete and special vision.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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AquaMorphAug 23, 2016

The fact that a move as repetitive and opened ended as the Fits is still engrossing is a testament to the director's skill at filmmaking. The performances in this movie are great especially considering how young a lot of the cast is. The lookThe fact that a move as repetitive and opened ended as the Fits is still engrossing is a testament to the director's skill at filmmaking. The performances in this movie are great especially considering how young a lot of the cast is. The look of the film is unique which is quite amazing since it is set in such a dull and uninteresting environment. The cinematographer did an excellent job. The sound design and score lend to the tone of this film and really make the film. All in all this is an worthwhile way to spend 70 minutes.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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GarrettSmithSep 1, 2016

The best ending of 2016.
A film of sublime tranquility and not for those without patience.
It's not a film for everyone, but for those who give it a chance, it will at least stay with you long after it's over.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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Benkoko11Feb 23, 2017

The Fits is refined indie-cinema poetry and therefore is not for everyone. It is elegant and immersive, well acted, and beautifully shot on a single location; relying on these elements more than narrative or explaination, so don't try to find one.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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IndiefilmloverJul 1, 2016

In an era of movies dominated by remakes, reboots and generic by-the-numbers filmmaking, it is so refreshing to see a movie like, "The Fits." Unlike typical Hollywood fare, "The Fits" assumes the audience has some intelligence and doesn'tIn an era of movies dominated by remakes, reboots and generic by-the-numbers filmmaking, it is so refreshing to see a movie like, "The Fits." Unlike typical Hollywood fare, "The Fits" assumes the audience has some intelligence and doesn't need every detail to be explained completely. The film also utilizes a distinctive visual style that immerses you into the world of the protagonist. It also sets the location in a very specific place (Cincinnati, Ohio).

The film is essentially a character study of Toni (played by newcomer Royalty Hightower), a tom boy who spends her free time in the boxing gym with her brother. During one of her training sessions, she becomes intrigued by a dance company that practices nearby. In a typical Hollywood movie, the story would be about how Toni struggles to blend in with the group and would culminate with her helping the girls win the big competition, but not here. Like many films of the American New Wave or early West African Cinema, "The Fits" is less concerned about the machinations of a conventional Hollywood narrative and focuses instead on Toni's journey of self-discovery.

Throughout the movie, the camera focuses almost entirely on Toni. This is most evident in the dance rehearsal scenes where the adult characters in particular, are kept mostly in the background. A viewer's appreciation for this film is directly proportional to how interested you are in the life of an 11 year old black girl. If you are, the film is immensely satisfying and thought-provoking. If not, you'll quickly become bored and frustrated with the movie.

A lot has been made of Royalty Hightower's performance. She is very photogenic and meets the physical and emotional demands of the material very well. However, she is not the only reason to watch this movie. Alexis Neblett as Beezy, one of the new girls with dance company is also a joy to watch. She brings an energy and youthful exuberance to her performance, that one doesn't often see in standard Hollywood fare. Significantly, the kids in "The Fits" look and act like real youngsters, not a Hollywood version of them. At least some of the credit must go to first-time director Anna Rose Holmer to eliciting some fine performances from her cast.

Another striking aspect about "The Fits" is its score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans. Minimalist in many respects, the score is highly effective and even menacing at times. Overall, the film is technically well-made.

"The Fits" is clearly not for every one. If the mention of the latest Hollywood reboot excites you or if you're looking for a movie with predictable plot points, you're best to look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for a film that allows you to think and feel for yourself, "The Fits" is definitely worth a look. Just remember to approach the film with an open mind.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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netflicJun 13, 2016

It is a debut for a young director Anna Rose Holmer.
Coming-of-age story of a girl (Toni) who trains as a boxer at her local school but gets interested in group dancing next door.
Critics praise this movie immensely. Maybe they seeIt is a debut for a young director Anna Rose Holmer.
Coming-of-age story of a girl (Toni) who trains as a boxer at her local school but gets interested in group dancing next door.

Critics praise this movie immensely. Maybe they see something they want to see.
I failed to see any kind of a drama there, just a pretense to be unique on parts of the debutant.

If it were a short feature movie, it would be boring even at half an hour. Half the time you look at Toni’s face and you can imagine anything you want. Very few dialogs are there, and they are not meaningful. Very little substance as well.

Probably, there is a play of words here. Girls in the dancing team start getting fits for unknown reason. And Toni tried hard to fit into the team.

There is some definite talent in this movie but director’s complete lack of experience tells.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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RickyReviewsJun 25, 2016

A very bad movie with no depth at all. The movie is a boring documentary on boxing it seems. I did not enjoy it all. Why it's getting such high ratings is beyond me.

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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ricky1121Jun 25, 2016

The reviews for this piece of garbage is so strange. It is a bad film through and through. Do not watch it for your own sake. It's the worst film of 2016 I think.

0 of 9 users found this helpful09

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DawdlingPoetNov 28, 2021

This is very much an arty film, in terms of it being quite low in dialogue and featuring dance and style in tone. The plot direction isn't very clear and I did feel there was a sense of isolation put across with the young girl shownThis is very much an arty film, in terms of it being quite low in dialogue and featuring dance and style in tone. The plot direction isn't very clear and I did feel there was a sense of isolation put across with the young girl shown expressing her love of dance, while mostly being on her own.

There is a somewhat spooky/eery sense when we see the other girls succumbing to the mysterious 'fits' the film is named after. However, it was frustrating that there didn't seem to be much in the way of answers given and it was left a bit open ended overall. It didn't especially appeal to me and I certainly wouldn't call it memorable but if you like arty type films, then this may interest you.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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mstaub87Apr 13, 2023

the film is definitely not for everyone, but if you need to relax and even meditate, it's worth watching without any doubts

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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