The Fits

The Fits is a 2015 American drama film directed by Anna Rose Holmer. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and social contagion within a predominantly African-American community of young dancers in Cincinnati. The film centers on Toni, an 11-year-old tomboy training as a boxer, who becomes fascinated by a dance troupe called the Lionesses.

As Toni becomes more involved with the Lionesses, a mysterious outbreak of sudden, convulsive fits affects several members of the group. The cause of these fits is never explicitly explained, leaving room for interpretations ranging from psychological stress and collective anxiety to unexplained neurological phenomena.

The Fits received critical acclaim for its unique visual style, sound design, and its exploration of adolescent anxieties and the power of group dynamics. It stands out for its use of minimalist storytelling and its reliance on atmosphere and suggestion to create a sense of unease and mystery. The film examines how fear and uncertainty can spread within a close-knit community and how individuals react to the unknown. While the narrative unfolds focusing on the "fits", the core of the film lies in Toni's personal journey of self-discovery and her navigation of social pressures.