In 1887, after the death of her father, 25-year-old Marie-Louise leaves her life in the American West to pursue her dream of becoming an actress in New York City. On stage one night, she avoids falling by spinning the fabric of her long dress in a graceful gesture, and the Serpentine Dance is born.
Though it features Gaspard Ulliel, this biographical drama nonetheless belongs to its star, the French musician Soko—who brings to the screen the electrifying life of avant-garde dancer Loïe Fuller. In a riot of tulle, The Dancer transports viewers to lush, late 19th-century Paris.