Dancing in the Dark (1986 film)

Dancing in the Dark is a 1986 Canadian drama film directed and written by Leon Marr, based on the 1982 novel Dancing in the Dark by Joan Barfoot. It was produced by Anthony Kramreither, Don Haig and co-produced by John Ryan. The film is about a housewife, Edna (Martha Henry), whose life revolves around her husband Henry (Neil Munro). Edna spends her days cleaning the house making sure that it looks spotless and fulfilling her husband's every need in the process. After Henry betrays Edna's trust she murders him and then finds herself in a psychiatric hospital where she relives her old life by writing in her journal.

Dancing in the Dark is considered a feminist film. The story shows the legal system wavering in favour of Edna as she is placed in a psychiatric hospital instead of a prison after her crime.

Dancing in the Dark premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1986. It was then shown in September 1986 as part of the Perspectives Canada programme of the Toronto Festival of Festivals, now known as the Toronto International Film Festival. It was shown later that month at the New York Film Festival.