She Dances” is the tearjerker of 2025.
Actor now producer Steve Zahn has been known for many years as the iconic Mr. Heffley from the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movies. Comedic and for comedic relief. While his normal stature and comedic relief shines through in “She Dances”, viewers will be taken aback by his raw performance.
Premiered at Tribeca film festival of 2025, this film centers around Jason (Steve Zahn) and his daughter Claire (Audrey Zahn), who needs a last minute chaperone with her friend, Kat (Mackenzie Ziegler) to their dance competition. There’s a visible rift in their relationship which is later to be revealed by the death of her older brother and his son. The film appears to many at first to be comedy, but quickly becomes so much more.
The road trip and getaway plot, especially in families, is one that has been executed countless times. But by Steve Zahn? It was executed in a way like no other. The road leading to the dance competition would later lead to a road that opens up the deepest depths of grief, pain, loss, memories and reminiscence.
Another detail to add is actor Ethan Hawke was a pleasant and necessary for the role at hand, playing Jason’s dear friend and business partner Brian. The two even share a pivotal moment near the end of the film.
In the second to last and then the final scene, those moments are the ones that won’t let you leave the theater with a dry eye. For those not experienced in dance or who haven’t done it since kindergarten ballet (me included) you will not want to miss this work of art.
It’s so rare to go into a film with a decent amount of knowledge and leave with a heavy yet full heart. Steve Zahn provides just that for dancers, parents coping with child loss, and the everyday person who has the appreciation of human emotion and realness.