A Dance of Tradition and Change

Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Without Arrows
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Elizabeth Day, Jonathan Olshefski
Where To Watch: premieres on PBS’s INDEPENDENT LENS on January 13, 2025, at 10 p.m. (check local listings). The film will also be available to stream on the PBS App

RAVING REVIEW: Delwin Fiddler Jr.'s decade-long journey back to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation is the heart of WITHOUT ARROWS. This documentary entwines personal tales with broader reflections of Native American life. It is not just a simple homecoming; it delves into the struggles and connections that tie a man to his heritage and community.

WITHOUT ARROWS offers an insightful exploration into the power of place and the complexity of returning to a community from which one has grown apart yet feels intrinsically connected. The film captures Delwin's internal battle—his tug-of-war between his “new life” and the pull of his ancestral roots. As he navigates the aftermath of his brother’s death, which initially drove him from the reservation, the documentary portrays his complex emotions upon his return, steeped in both personal growth and unresolved grief.

The documentary, which spans twelve years, challenges conventional storytelling. It moves from a linear plot to embrace life's natural ebb and flow. It beautifully captures the authenticity and textured layers of Delwin's life. Scenes of traditional dances are framed not just as cultural acts but as critical, understated gestures of resilience and reclamation of identity.

One of the documentary’s most striking features is its visual style—raw and unpolished yet incredibly impactful, set against the stark landscapes of South Dakota. The strength of WITHOUT ARROWS lies in its quiet moments of resilience. It doesn’t focus on grandiose gestures but examines a more subtle portrayal of cultural survival and adaptation. These scenes, which might seem small in seclusion—such as a shared meal—are depicted as profound acts of continuity and defiance against the erosion of identity. This nuanced approach allows the film to go deeper into themes of heritage and endurance without becoming preachy. The documentary's authenticity, emphasizing the organic over the orchestrated, lends the film a unique texture that some viewers will find deeply resonant.

Jonathan Olshefski and Elizabeth Day, the filmmakers behind WITHOUT ARROWS, handle the multigenerational story of the Fiddler family. The film spans from the wisdom of Delwin’s elders to his daughter's future, offering viewers a window into a family’s story rooted in tradition and engaged with the present.

WITHOUT ARROWS tackles the significant challenge of cultural preservation in the modern world. Delwin's journey is a microcosm of issues Indigenous communities face: balancing preserving traditional practices with adapting to the current world. The film addresses these themes, focusing on individual agency and collective resilience rather than solely on these communities' systemic obstacles.

As WITHOUT ARROWS draws to a close, it doesn't tie up every narrative into a neat bow but instead leaves some stories open-ended, reflecting the ongoing nature of the subjects' lives. This open-endedness is particularly poignant in its reflection of Delwin’s evolving dreams, now interwoven with his daughter’s future, highlighting the film’s overarching themes of legacy.

WITHOUT ARROWS is a compelling record of identity, family, and tradition's enduring spirit. It invites the audience to experience the intimate struggles of the Fiddler family, shedding light on broader issues of resilience within Native American communities. This film is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in preserving cultural bonds and celebrating the indomitable human spirit.

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[photo courtesy of CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (CPB), ITVS INTERNATIONAL, PUBLIC BROADCASTING SERVICE (PBS)]

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