Cat Dancers is a gripping 2007 documentary directed by Harris Fishman that acts as an intimate portrait of a trio who lived their extraordinary lives in total harmony with some of nature's most dangerous animals, big cats. The film introduces us to the love triangle's main characters: Ron Holiday, his wife Joy Holiday, and their joint lover, Chuck Lizza.

The film commences by giving the audience an insight into the early life and careers of the three main characters, who found fame and success as the entertainment troupe known as the "Cat Dancers". Ron and Joy, both formerly professional ballet dancers, found a mutual fascination with large cats, which led to the foundation of the Cat Dancer act. Chuck Lizza came into their lives and, in time, became their lover, and the third part of their risky yet mesmerizing act. The trio would perform with leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and jaguars, going beyond the traditional boundaries of performance art and animal handling, and all three had an intense connection with each other and the cats they lived and performed with.

The titular "Cat Dancers" performed around the world, combining their first love of dance with their other shared passion, the exotic big cats. Their unique performances, which combined elements of ballet, gymnastics, and the handling of big cats, were an extraordinary sight to behold and earned them worldwide acclaim. Cat Dancers uniquely spotlights authentic footage of their performances, presenting us with the trio’s awe-inspiring interaction with the big cats, highlighting their exceptional control, bond, and unity with these dangerous yet fascinating creatures.

Cat Dancers are an amalgamation of the trio's love story with the world of exotic animals, and Fishman elegantly captures their unconventional lifestyle and their spiritual connection with 'their' animals. The film also sheds light on their relationships, further highlighting the unconventional narrative of their lives. Partly a love story, a tragedy, and a chronicle of spectacular performances, Cat Dancers draws us into the reality of a life that seems to dance on the edge of fantasy and danger.

Narrating their extraordinary experiences, Ron Holiday, the last surviving member of the trio, offers an insider's view of what it was like to live and work with these magnificent creatures. His passionate and frank account gives the film an emotional authenticity that is both overwhelming and compelling. The documentary is very much Ron's story as he recounts the beguiling highs and crushing lows of their unconventional journey. Yet, Holiday's narrative is anything but self-pitying or overly melancholic. He is impressively resilient and is incredibly honest in his accounts, lending a great deal of credibility to the story.

The documentary also explores the controversial topics of exotic animal possession, legalization issues, and the risk involved in keeping such animals. However, the film does not pass judgement or push an agenda. Instead, it sees these topics as another aspect of the trio's lives and their wish to live closely with their beloved pets. It leaves it up to audiences to make their judgements and draw their conclusions about the trio's way of life.

Cat Dancers is more than a documentary about exotic animals or fringe performers. It is an exploration of love, passion, and the precarious balance between control and chaos. The film presents a gritty reality behind the glitz and glamour of show business, exposing audiences to the inherent risks and potential tragedies involved when humans interact deeply with wild and dangerous animals.

In conclusion, Cat Dancers masterfully balances excitement and danger, love, and tragedy into a gripping narrative that treads on the lines of surrealism. It is a remarkable film that thoroughly explores what it means to live life on one's own terms, regardless of societal norms and expectations.