Heavens Above

Heavens Above is a movie from 2021 that features a unique blend of insightful social commentaries, touching moments, and well-placed humor. Directed by Srdjan Dragojevic, the movie stars Goran Navojec, Ksenija Marinkovic, and Bojan Navojec.

This Serbo-Croatian film takes audiences on a journey through a world grappling with faith, miracles, and the complexities of contemporary society. Set in three different periods and three different locations – an Orthodox monastery, a bustling city in Serbia, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Berlin – Heavens Above explores an array of characters and circumstances, each with their unique mix of struggles and triumphs.

Our first main character is Goran Navojec, who plays Father Peter, a priest at the St. Nicholas monastery. Located on a lake island somewhere in Serbia, the monastery is serene and untouched, seemingly far from the problem of the outside world. This tranquility is disrupted when seemingly miraculous events transpire, drawing crowds and media frenzy. Father Peter, initially skeptical, finds himself in the center of the chaos, dealing with the church officials who see an opportunity for economic prosperity, the earnest believers, and those looking to exploit the situation for their gains.

The second main storyline introduces Ksenija Marinkovic as Maria, a humble housewife living a seemingly ordinary life in a small Serbian town with her husband, an unemployed tavern singer, and her daughter who believes that Maria is blessed with the ability to talk to saints. Maria's life takes an unexpected turn when the supposed miracles come into play, testing her faith and resolve.

Lastly, we're taken to Berlin, where Bojan Navojec plays Gavrilo, an educated man disillusioned by his monotonous life as a pharmaceutical representative. Though surrounded by the conveniences of modern society, Gavrilo finds himself in a crisis of existential distress and an extreme state of sleepwalking. His quest for meaning takes on a new dimension when he encounters a homeless man claiming to be a saint, adding a whole new layer to the film’s treatment of miracle and faith.

The director, Srdjan Dragojevic, does an excellent job intertwining these different narratives, examining the broader difficulties and paradoxes of our contemporary reality. Without being too excessive, the humor and the witty dialogues work to lighten the mood, making the issues more approachable and relatable.

Despite the main focus being on faith and miracles, Heavens Above goes beyond those themes, aiming to create a larger conversation about existential anxieties, doubt, and the quest for purpose in life. By exposing us to the diverse settings and characters, from monastery residents and small-town Serbian folks to people navigating their way in a modern city like Berlin, the film offers a holistic view of society and how it intersects with faith and belief.

Heavens Above displays exceptional performances by all cast members, with Goran Navojec, Ksenija Marinkovic, and Bojan Navojec all offering convincing portrayals of their characters. The film also leverages the picturesque landscapes of Serbia, coupled with the cityscape of Berlin, to provide a visual richness that adds to the storytelling.

With its intriguing plot, enchanting landscapes, thought-provoking dialogues, and stellar performances, Heavens Above not only captivates the audience but also compels them to ponder on the profound questions of faith, belief, and the quest for meaning in the 21st century. Consequently, the film serves as an excellent example of contemporary cinema that judiciously blends entertainment with thoughtful discussions on some of life’s substantial questions.

Whether you are a fan of foreign films or simply a movie enthusiast in search of a meaningful, in-depth narrative, Heavens Above is a film worth watching. It is a story that will urge you to look inward, question, laugh, and most importantly, empathize with the diverse realities of life across different parts of the world.