
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.
Does Dance First have end credit scenes?
No!
Dance First does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Dance First, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.

Sandrine Bonnaire
Suzanne

Gabriel Byrne
Samuel Beckett (old)

Aidan Gillen
James Joyce

Maxine Peake
Barbara

Robert Aramayo
Alfred Peron

Bronagh Gallagher
Nora

Andrew Hefler
Leon

Caroline Boulton
Sylvia Beach

Fionn O'Shea
Samuel Beckett (young)

Caleb Johnston-Miller
Samuel Beckett (age 10)

Rebecka Johnston
Woman 1

Lisa Dwyer Hogg
May Beckett

Barry O'Connor
William Beckett

Gráinne Good
Lucia Joyce

Léonie Lojkine
Younger Suzanne

Júlia Szász
Mania

Jenni Bowden
Woman 2

Szabolcs Kelemen
Prudent

Ildikó Hidasi

Cillian Hollywood
Discover where to watch Dance First online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how Dance First is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Dance First stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
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.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Dance First
Art & Craft
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
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
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
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
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.
46
Metascore
tbd
User Score
43%
TOMATOMETER
0%
User Score
6.0 /10
IMDb Rating
70
%
User Score
2.9
0.00/5
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