Square Dance

Square Dance is an emotionally evocative drama released in 1987 that remarkably captures the quintessential elements of family dynamics, self-discovery, love, and the essence of simplicity versus complexity in modern life. Directed by acclaimed director Daniel Petrie, it boasts groundbreaking performances by Jason Robards, Jane Alexander, and features a young Winona Ryder in her breakthrough role.

At the heart of the story is the character of Gemma Dillard (Winona Ryder), an innocent thirteen-year-old girl who spends her days romping around the open Texas fields and helping her gruff but loving grandfather, Dillard (Jason Robards), with his work on the farm. Gemma lives a sheltered life in rural Texas, far from the bustle of city life. She's led a simple country life under the stern and protective spirit of her grandfather, Dillard, who seems to have a well of wisdom and knowledge about life.

The film takes a dramatic turn when Gemma's estranged mother, Juanelle (Jane Alexander), sends for her to come live in the city, catapulting the young girl from her rural existence into a drastically different urban setting. Juanelle is a damaged woman with a past riddled with hurt, betrayal, and a desperate attempt to fit into a life she never wanted. Gemma's move to the city marks the beginning of her journey into adulthood as she navigates the fast life of the city and everything her mother's world entails.

In this new environment, Gemma's life takes on colors she never imagined. She encounters different people with diverse backgrounds, conflicting moral expectations, dilemmas of city life, adult problems, and an introverted young man, Rory Torrance (Rob Lowe), who profoundly impacts her adolescence experience. The impressive performance of Lowe creates a chilling yet mesmerizing image of a young man consumed by his mental health's unfortunate limitations. Gemma's connection with Rory offers an exploration of the fragility of human relationships and the raw emotions surrounding innocence and youth.

As Gemma tries to reconcile her longing for her simple rural life with her new complex city life, she observes a world that her wide-eyed innocence can't comprehend initially. However, throughout the film, Gemma reveals an extraordinary depth of resilience and determination. Her innocence and obvious naivety don't prevent her from making tough decisions, showing her maturity and the will to protect those she loves. Ryder, in her breakout role, offers a sterling performance, breathing life into Gemma's character with an unmatched authenticity that encapsulates her audience.

On the other end, her mother Juanelle and her grandfather Dillard represent two different worlds - the suburban city, with all its light and sound and movement, and the simplicity of the countryside. The film effortlessly exposes the stark contrast between these two extremes through Gemma's eyes and experience. One of the key elements of the movie is its exploration of how the choices of parents affect their children's lives. Jane Alexander as Juanelle successfully brings to the screen the struggle of a woman trying to deal with her past mistakes.

On the other hand, Jason Robards, as Dillard, is the embodiment of rural America's rugged and steadfast spirit. As Gemma's grandfather, Robards reflects the hard weariness of an elder man who is stubbornly holding onto the life he knows and understands, in a world that's rapidly changing.

Directed by Daniel Petrie, Square Dance provides substantial depth to its storyline with performances that range from heartwarming to heart-wrenching, combined with solid scriptwriting. The contrast between the rural and city vibe is captured down to the minutest detail, thereby giving the viewers a striking picture of both realms. The film takes the audience on an emotional roller coaster through its intense and passionate performances from a commendable ensemble cast.

In conclusion, Square Dance is an exploration of human relationships, emotions, family values and the delicate line dividing innocence and maturity. It's an unforgettable narrative portraying a young girl's journey through major life changes, backed by compelling performances and a well-crafted plot, offering a cinematic experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking.