The Cheerleader

Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Evans sets her glitzy if uneven debut in the claustrophobic world of professional sports. Jentry Rae Randall, the captain of the Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders, is the most popular dancer in the Federation Football League. When Jentry is found dead in the Lonestars locker room under suspicious circumstances, pandemonium ensues. Budding filmmaker Nikki Keegan is already shooting a prosaic documentary about the team when Jentry dies, so she seizes on the scandal with hopes of turning her project into a true crime series that might get snapped up by a streaming service. Nikki’s first interviewee is Shaunette Simmons, Jentry’s teammate and best friend, who divulges a surprising amount about Jentry’s personal life. Then Shaunette’s car is run off the road and the young cheerleader is left for dead, making it clear that Jentry’s death was not a one-off. Evans paints a bleak and fascinating portrait of the cheerleaders’ grueling practice schedule and tightly restricted personal lives, but clanging dialogue and a few too many plot conveniences muddy the playing field. After getting off to a strong start, this lands with a whimper. Agent: Kristina Perez, Perez Literary. (Jan.)