Film Review: 'On Pointe'

Ever since she could remember, Paige Johnson (Juliet Doherty) has had one passion: Ballet. Her dedication has even led her to pursue an audition with the San Francisco Ballet Company, guided by her devoted teacher Glenn (Walter Belcher). But as the audition grows closer, Paige's home life quickly gets in the way of her preparation.

Much of this comes from Paige's mother Lynda (Kaitlyn Black) whose recent divorce from Paige's father Derek (Jeffrey T. Unterkofler) and struggles to find employment led her to begin opposing Paige's dedication to ballet. When Lynda refuses to keep paying for Paige's lessons with Glenn, and signs her up for a math tutor, Paige is forced to begin getting creative in order to continue training for the big audition. But throughout her struggles with her mother, Paige must also fight against the crippling self-doubt her volatile home life has left her with—and prove to herself, above all others, that she has what it takes to do what she loves.

Dance films seem to have a reputation for being low on plot and other aspects that make for an enjoyable film, but thankfully On Pointe (which has also been released by MarVista Entertainment under the title of Driven to Dance on Netflix) manages to strike a balance between dance and plot that similar films have not. Stylistically, On Pointe is breathtaking in its beauty; sequences of Paige's performances and preparation rituals are in vivid detail and show both the elegance and the challenge that comes with ballet. The scenery is also spectacular to look at, with the scenes where Paige goes to the desert for alone time being magnificent to see.

The strong cast is where the true heart of On Pointe lies, with Juliet Doherty giving an astonishing performance as the gifted but troubled Paige, making her a character that I felt for more than I've felt for a movie character in a long time. Throughout the film, we see Paige show signs of her great ability, only to have those moments diminished by her insecurities and low self-confidence. Doherty shows through remarkable subtleties Paige's inner fear in regards to her dancing and emotional turmoil regarding her family problems, resulting in each setback Paige gets hit by come as a gut punch to the viewer. Doherty also allows for Paige to maintain a semblance of strength even at her bleakest moments, which all makes for an emotionally charged and powerful character.

A character I was truly worried about, however, was that of Lynda Johnson, with trailers for On Pointe having me fearful her vicious degrading of her daughter's ambitions would make her completely unlikable. Thankfully, Kaitlyn Black manages to dial Lynda's harsher moments back enough to where the viewer can feel sympathy for her, even if some might find her brash treatment of Paige too hard to counteract it. The film's progression goes to lengths to show that, for all of Lynda's condescending and vindictive behavior, she's ultimately an embittered and broken woman struggling to cope with both her impending divorce and the prospect of raising two children on her own and trying to find work after so many years depending on her husband. Her story arc is ultimately her coming to terms with life without Derek and realizing that her heartache has led her to begin lashing out at Paige in an attempt to regain control over her own life. It may not be perfect for all viewers, but Black sells Lynda's redemption arc with authentic and painfully relatable emotion, with one paralleling scene between Lynda and Paige at separate parties highlighting how both mother and daughter struggle with the same issues of self-worth and confidence.

Side characters are also given surprising depth, with Walter Belcher and Asher Angel playing well off of Doherty with their respective roles as her instructor Glenn and younger brother Alex; with both relationships striking an emotional chord that deepens both Paige's character and the poignancy of her situation. Jared Norton also makes a strong impression as Paige's math tutor and unlikely ally Dylan, and Ashlieya Mariano makes a few brief appearances as Lynda's co-worker Jessica, having a moment with her that helps kickstart Lynda's redemption and serves as another endearing moment that elevates On Pointe in terms of emotional impact.

Overall, On Pointe is a perfect example of a movie that doesn't need a massive budget to craft something beautiful and impactful. With a strong heroine and supporting cast, stunning cinematography, and a plot with authentic emotional impact that makes you want to see Paige's much deserved happy ending, On Pointe is a perfect film to watch with the family. It's available on Netflix under the title Driven to Dance, and be prepared to feel.

Score: 9 out of 10 unnecessary math tutors.

I've since re-evaluated my views on this film. For my amended views, click here.