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Drama

The Road Dance (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Road Dance (2023) movie poster

The Road Dance is a 2023 drama directed by Richie Adams, starring Hermione Corfield as Kirsty Macleod, Morven Christie and Ali Fumiko Whitney. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes and earned $21 million worldwide. Critics gave it 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10.

IMDb rating
7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
79%
worldwide gross
$21M
Echo Score
78
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The Road Dance (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Director
Richie Adams
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Road Dance About?

The premise of The Road Dance without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In the remote Outer Scottish Hebrides, Kirsty dreams of a life beyond her isolated community. She finds solace and connection with Murdo, a thoughtful and artistic young man. Their burgeoning relationship offers a spark of hope amidst the encroaching shadow of war. As tensions rise and the world shifts on the brink of conflict, their love becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and longing for a brighter future.

The Road Dance Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • island community
  • mother daughter relationship
  • rape
  • scottish hebrides
  • wwi
  • telegram notification of death
  • scotland
  • year 1916
  • doctor
  • bandage
  • village
  • world war one
+38 more
  • pregnant from rape
  • cross necklace
  • head injury
  • conscription
  • constable
  • secret pregnancy
  • reference to robert frost
  • small town doctor
  • drinking
  • dance
  • loss of father
  • beach
  • draft
  • killed in action
  • letter home
  • policeman
  • unwanted pregnancy
  • concealing pregnancy
  • jump off cliff
  • premature birth
  • deception
  • bravery
  • new york city
  • 1910s
  • poetry
  • bookworm
  • family farm
  • potatoes
  • sister sister relationship
  • death of a child
  • home birth
  • minister
  • church service
  • loss of limb
  • amnesia
  • blow to head
  • engagement
  • head bandage
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Cast & crew

The Road Dance Cast & Characters

Hermione Corfield leads the cast as Kirsty Macleod, with Morven Christie as Mairi Macleod and Ali Fumiko Whitney as Annie Macleod. Directed by Richie Adams; 19 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Road Dance

· 15 more
From the director

More from Richie Adams

One more film directed by Richie Adams: Of Mind and Music.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Road Dance Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Road Dance 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in art & craft (70).

78 /100

The Road Dance Echo Score Breakdown

The Road Dance presents a period drama that largely succeeds through its evocative visual style and strong central performance, though its narrative pacing occasionally feels laborious. Critics note both the film's beautiful scenery and its occasional antiseptic framing, while many audience members highlight the emotional resonance of the love story and the striking cinematography. The net impression is a commendable, if imperfect, work that leaves a lasting emotional imprint.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film displays striking period scenery and an understated color palette that many reviewers praise. Critics, however, point out moments of stage‑like composition and a plodding visual rhythm that undercut the atmosphere. The overall visual execution is competent and occasionally inspiring, yet marred by occasional visual stiffness.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, Hermione Corfield's performance anchors the film with nuanced despair. Critics consistently commend the lead's conviction, and users echo the strength of the acting and emotional depth. Although some reviewers find the ensemble slightly performative, the prevailing sentiment is that the characters are compelling and resonate strongly.

  • Story & Flow 78

    Regarding story and flow, the plot weaves a love‑and‑loss narrative set against a wartime backdrop. Critics describe the pacing as sometimes schematic, yet many appreciate the quiet authenticity and unexpected twists. Audience feedback highlights gripping twists and an engaging arc, balancing the occasional predictability noted by a few viewers.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In sensory experience, the film offers a vivid musical score and richly textured sound design that complement its scenic landscapes. Critics note colorful labor scenes and effective auditory moments, though some mention an overly antiseptic visual tone. Overall, the sensory elements enhance immersion and are regarded as a notable strength.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    The rewatch factor is bolstered by the film's emotional layers and visual allure, prompting many viewers to recommend repeat viewings. Positive audience comments emphasize lasting appeal and a desire for more similar works. While a minority found the twist predictable, the consensus suggests the film rewards multiple viewings.

Plot

The Road Dance Plot Summary

What happens in The Road Dance from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Kirsty, a vibrant young woman, resides in the quaint village of Garenin alongside her widowed mother, Mairi Macleod, and her sister, Annie Macleod. Her heart yearns for a new life in America with her boyfriend, Murdo MacAulay. Yet, their dreams are shattered as he and other local young men are drafted to fight in The Great War. In a bid to honor these brave souls before their departure, the town organizes a lively cèilidh, aptly titled to celebrate their courage. However, amid this joyous occasion, tragedy strikes. That very night, Kirsty finds herself the victim of a horrific attack by a mysterious assailant.

Full summary

The whole story of The Road Dance, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Road Dance Box Office

The Road Dance grossed $21 million worldwide.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$21M

International
$21M
Videos

The Road Dance Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 teaser.

Official UK Trailer
  • Trailer THE ROAD DANCE | Official US Trailer | Music Box Films
  • Teaser Short Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Road Dance?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is Kirsty's boyfriend that she wishes to join in America?

Seen The Road Dance?

FAQ

The Road Dance FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Road Dance, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Road Dance?

The Road Dance runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was The Road Dance released?

The Road Dance was released on October 13, 2023.

Who directed The Road Dance?

The Road Dance was directed by Richie Adams.

More films by Richie Adams

Who is in the cast of The Road Dance?

The Road Dance stars Hermione Corfield as Kirsty Macleod, Morven Christie as Mairi Macleod and Ali Fumiko Whitney as Annie Macleod, among 19 credited actors.

How much did The Road Dance make at the box office?

The Road Dance grossed $21 million worldwide.

How is The Road Dance rated?

The Road Dance has 7.1/10 on IMDb, 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, 54 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does The Road Dance have a post-credit scene?

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

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