“A Dance in the Snow” is a heartwarming holiday film that delves into themes of inclusivity, familial bonds, and personal growth.
Synopsis
The story revolves around Melanie (Erica Cerra), a widowed ammonite and her 17 year old daughter Jenny (Vanessa Burghardt) who is autistic. Some old experiences make it harder for Jenny to attend to her last Christmas dance in high school. To improve the situation, Melanie joins forces with Jenny’s literature teacher, Daniel (Mark Ghanimé) to host a more friendly school dance. To Melanie’s ignition, there’s a plot between Jenny and her pals to have their own doodle which aims to celebrate Melanie. As both the plans unfold, along the course of action within the expected timelines for both parties, there are several misunderstandings towards each other that in fact strengthen the bond between the daughter and mother even more during the festivals.
Awards & Wins
As of now, there are no major awards associated with “A Dance in the Snow.”
Cast & Crew
- Erica Cerra as Melanie: Known for roles in “Power Rangers” and “Warehouse 13.”
- Mark Ghanimé as Daniel: Recognized from “Christmas With a View” and “The Age of Adaline.”
- Vanessa Burghardt as Jenny: Gained acclaim for “Cha Cha Real Smooth.”
- Dorian Giordano as Will: Featured in “Reacher” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
Directed by Stefan Scaini, the film showcases a talented ensemble cast.
IMDb Ratings
The film holds a rating of 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb, based on 137 user reviews.
Personal Insights
The script of “A Dance in the Snow” also touches on the subject of autism by providing a broadened view on the issues and victories of not only the individuals with the disorder but also their close ones. In addition to that, the way in which Cerra and Ghanimé interacted further developed the story, and the way Burghardt played Jenny was believable.
Cultural Significance
The movie adds to the discourse of representation, this time around, within the realms of neurodivergence. It underscores the need of understanding the environmental factors around people and appeals to those seeking change in how people view and respond to the complexities of life.
One of the films to watch this Christmas is “A Dance in the Snow” which adds value to the existing literature and talk around love, acceptance, and the meaning of holidays in general.
