Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Biographical drama

Dance First (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Dance First (2024) movie poster

Dance First is a 2024 biographical drama directed by James Marsh, starring Gabriel Byrne as Samuel Beckett (old), Barry O'Connor and Sandrine Bonnaire. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $163,151 worldwide. Critics gave it 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Stream it on Hoopla and Hulu, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
6.0/10
worldwide gross
$163.2K
Echo Score
53
Metascore
46
Dance First (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
James Marsh
Genres
Biography , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Dance First About?

The premise of Dance First without spoilers.

The film explores the complex life of Samuel Beckett, portrayed by Gabriel Byrne. It depicts Beckett's experiences as a young man involved in the Resistance, his tumultuous marriage, and his rise to become a celebrated playwright. The story delves into the personal struggles and imperfections that existed alongside his literary achievements.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Dance First

Stream it on Hoopla and Hulu, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Dance First Cast & Characters

Gabriel Byrne leads the cast as Samuel Beckett (old), with Barry O'Connor as William Beckett and Sandrine Bonnaire as Suzanne. Directed by James Marsh; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Dance First

· 16 more
Ratings

Dance First Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Dance First 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 53/100, strongest in character & emotion (70) and weakest in story & flow (40).

53 /100

Dance First Echo Score Breakdown

Dance First generates a split response, with its most notable assets lying in the performances while its storytelling and overall execution draw criticism. Critics acknowledge occasional strong scenes and artistic ambition, yet many point to uneven pacing, superficial treatment of Beckett’s life, and a lack of cohesive vision. User commentary mirrors this divide, praising the acting but describing the narrative as bland. The combination of these viewpoints yields a moderate overall rating.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    The film’s craftsmanship shows moments of ambition but often feels constrained. Critics note experimental visual choices that appear tame, and some commend strong scenes, yet a number of reviewers highlight a disjointed aesthetic and limited execution. This mixture of occasional visual flair with overall restraint leads to a modest assessment of the artistic elements.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    Performances constitute the film’s primary strength, with several reviewers highlighting nuanced portrayals and emotional resonance. Actors receive praise for delivering compelling chemistry and depth, even as the narrative framework remains thin. While the character work is generally lauded, the surrounding script limits its full impact, resulting in a solid yet not flawless character rating.

  • Story & Flow 40

    The narrative struggles with coherence and depth, offering a narrow focus that leaves viewers awaiting substantive insight. Critics describe false notes, superficial treatment of Beckett’s life, and pacing issues, while some users find the plot flat and unengaging. These consistent criticisms of story structure and originality drive a low score for this aspect.

  • Sensory Experience 45

    Sensory elements receive limited commendation, with few specific references to sound or visual style. While the film attempts artistic experimentation, many reviewers find the execution underwhelming and lacking cohesion. The modest acknowledgment of occasional strong scenes does not offset the overall perception of a muted sensory experience, resulting in a below‑average rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    Rewatch value is mixed, reflecting divergent audience reactions. Some viewers appreciate the psychological layers and strong acting enough to recommend another viewing, whereas others deem the film boring and superficial, reducing its appeal on subsequent watches. This split sentiment yields an average rewatch factor that neither strongly encourages nor discourages repeat viewings.

Box office

Dance First Box Office

Dance First grossed $163,151 worldwide. $24,914 came from the US and Canada and $138,237 (85%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$163.2K

US & Canada
$24.9K
International
$138.2K
US & Canada 15% Rest of the world 85%
Videos

Dance First Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official US Trailer
Details

Dance First Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “Prima danza, poi pensa - Alla ricerca di Beckett” and “Гении”.

Also known as
  • Prima danza, poi pensa - Alla ricerca di Beckett
  • Гении
  • Генії
  • Előbb táncolj!
  • 作家不跳舞: 等待貝克特
  • 先跳舞
  • 댄스 퍼스트
  • Dança Primeiro. Pensa Depois.
  • Šokis pirmiausia

Seen Dance First?

FAQ

Dance First FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Dance First, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Dance First?

Dance First runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Dance First released?

Dance First was released on August 9, 2024.

Who directed Dance First?

Dance First was directed by James Marsh.

More films by James Marsh

Who is in the cast of Dance First?

Dance First stars Gabriel Byrne as Samuel Beckett (old), Barry O'Connor as William Beckett and Sandrine Bonnaire as Suzanne, among 20 credited actors.

Where can I watch Dance First?

In the US, Dance First is streaming on Hoopla, Hulu and Kanopy and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Dance First make at the box office?

Dance First grossed $163,151 worldwide ($24,914 domestic, $138,237 international).

How is Dance First rated?

Dance First has 6.0/10 on IMDb, 46 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.

Does Dance First have a post-credit scene?

No. Dance First has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app