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With ten countries represented in the nine-episode anthology, Studio La Cachette from France brings a story of motherhood and rebellion with Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 6, “The Spy Dancer.” Directed by Julien Chheng and written by Chheng and Gabrielle D’Andrimont, this short focuses on Loi’e (Camille Cottin), the premier dancer at a famous, Imperial-frequented cabaret who uses her unique skill set to spy for the Rebellion. Entertaining the empire and making them fall in love with her artistry, Loi’e risks it all for her morals but also for a more personal reason. When the presence of a mysterious officer shocks her during her performance, her past comes into focus and threatens to derail her mission.
I’m very open about not wanting kids, and because of that, I didn’t expect “The Spy Dancer” to hit me. But that was until I saw it and the wonderfully acted pain in Cottin’s voice as Loi’e, a mother who, like many in the Star Wars universe, had her child ripped away from her. Part spy-thriller and part motherly exploration of grief, Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 6 offers a thrilling look at the cost of rebelling and the necessity of it, especially when the Empire has taken everything from you. The pain of losing a child is front and center in “The Spy Dancer,” and the way that compounds your heart when rebellion obligation comes into scope. Vengeance and sadness permeate much of Loe’i’s performance and fight beautifully.
In terms of the narrative and execution of a tight three-act structure in only 15 minutes, “The Spy Dancer” is excellent. Every character feels layered with emotions that we’re scratching the surface of but never feel empty. Instead of leaving you wanting more because you need more, Studio La Cachette has struck the perfect balance. That said, by skimming the surface of the character you can see the depth that could be explored. It’s rare to strike that balance and one that “The Spy Dancer” does well.
Embracing an Art Nouveau beauty and a quintessentially Star Wars score and theme in a cabaret, Studio La Cachette crafts a stunning visual feast to match its intimately driven action short. What sets this short apart from the rest in this anthology is how the studio has utilized dance as an element of fight design and choreography. Add in their illustrative and minimalistic art style that embraces formlessness and soft edges, and the short is breathtaking in the moments when it picks up pace.
In the climactic battle between Loi’e and the Imperial Officer, the score, by Oliver Deriviere, ignites, and the action comes into clear focus. Artistic and truly breathtaking, the design of the fight sequence is stunning because of how thoughtfully each body movement has been crafted. It isn’t just a duel; it’s a full body and emotional fight that shows La Cachette’s skill at a difficult task, fast-paced fight sequences where you can see each character’s body and the impacts they make.
Ultimately, Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 6 is stunning, emotive, and has an illustrative quality that gives its dance and action sequence a beauty that stands out across the rest of the anthology. With “The Spy Dancer,” Studio La Cachette embraces the complexity of what side of the war you fall on in Star Wars. Rebel or Imperial is sometimes a matter of who kidnapped you.
Star Wars Visions Season 2 Episode 5 — "The Spy Dancer"
TL;DR
Ultimately, Star Wars Visions Season 2 Episode 6 is stunning, emotive, and has an illustrative quality that gives its dance and action sequence a beauty that stands out across the rest of the anthology.
Kate Sánchez is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of But Why Tho? A Geek Community. There, she coordinates film, television, anime, and manga coverage. Kate is also a freelance journalist writing features on video games, anime, and film. Her focus as a critic is championing animation and international films and television series for inclusion in awards cycles.