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High Life

Where to Watch High Life

2009

High Life is a dynamic, gritty, and darkly humorous crime comedy-drama released in 2009, under the excellent directorship of Gary Yates. It stars an array of accomplished actors, including Timothy Olyphant, Stephen Eric McIntyre, and Joe Anderson. The setting is 1983 Winnipeg, Manitoba, a time when backwards baseball caps were in fashion and ATM security was not as sophisticated as it is today.

Centred on a group of burnt-out junkies plotting an audacious heist, High Life is a tremendously crafted, wickedly funny caper that turns standard genre conventions on their head, combining dark humor with a seedy underbelly of crime and addiction.

Timothy Olyphant stars as Dick, a charismatic yet slightly debauched heroin addict with a dubious hobby: he's addicted to robbing ATMs. He's an intriguing paradox of a character, essentially battling two addictions at once, leading to a series of unintended yet hilarious mishaps. Witty, reckless and living on the edge, Dick, with his charm and devil-may-care attitude, is the de facto ringleader of a band of out-of-luck addicts. Yet, it is Olyphant's compelling on-screen magnetism that brings to life the flawed yet human depths of Dick's character, portraying him as a rounded and relatable, if not necessarily wholesome, personality.

Stephen Eric McIntyre is a gem in his role as Bug, the fellow junkie, and peer of Dick. He masterfully depicts the gloomy and rough-around-the-edges character with a surprising tenderness. He brings a raw, realistic edge to his portrayal of a drug addict led astray, offering an interesting contrast to Olyphant's vibrant charisma.

Rounding out this unlikely team of antiheroes is Joe Anderson in his role as Donnie, the hopeless locksmith with a mild-mannered demeanor that belies his participation in a life of crime and addiction. Anderson rises admirably to the challenge of injecting life and nuance into a character that is often left underdeveloped in other crime capers, striking a balance of naive innocence and desperate determination.

High Life is a far cry from your typical heist movie. It is not only about the action and risks tied to criminal endeavors but also explores the human condition's complexities. It delves into the world of addiction, demonstrating that even flawed individuals grappling with addiction can possess redeeming qualities, a sense of loyalty, and even a strange kind of honor among thieves.

Gary Yates brilliantly captures the grit and grim reality of these characters’ lives, weaving together the strands of humor, violence, and desperation that permeate their existence and the storyline itself. From the characters' struggle with addiction, the thrilling build-up to the heist, and the fast-paced, suspenseful climax, Yates ensures the audience is always on the edge of their seats, fully immersed in this darkly comedic crime tale.

The film also capitalizes on the setting of the early 80s. The wrestling match of the characters with the then new-fangled ATM technology adds a layer of period-comic relief and effectively underscores a simpler time. The film skillfully exploits the era's distinct aesthetic, such as the physical and social backdrop, to add depth to its storytelling, enhancing its overall gritty and nostalgic vibe.

The screenplay, penned by Lee MacDougall, is adapted from his successful stage play entitled “High Life.” The dialogue is razor-sharp, and the dark humor prickles but never overshadows the tragic undertones of the characters' lives. MacDougall masterfully constructs a tale that vacillates between humor, dread, and suspense, creating a complex, multilayered film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

High Life artfully challenges its audience to see the humanity in its flawed characters, offering an intriguing mix of comedy, tragedy, and suspense. Its non-conventional narrative style, bolstered by strong performances and a cutting-edge screenplay, brings depth to the crime genre, resulting in a compelling cinematic experience that will remain with viewers long after the credits roll.

To sum up, High Life is a unique blend of gritty humor and poignant exploration of addiction, set on the backdrop of a crime caper. The actors deliver superb performances, drawing viewers into their characters' troubled lives. This unconventional heist movie is a triumphant exercise in genre-bending and is certainly worth a visit for anyone seeking a front-row seat to the audacious side of cinema.

High Life is a Comedy movie released in 2009. It has a runtime of 79 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.0..

How to Watch High Life

Where can I stream High Life movie online? High Life is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Amazon Prime, Tubi TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD. Some platforms allow you to rent High Life for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.

6.0/10
Director
Gary Yate
Stars
Timothy Olyphant (Dick), Steven Eric McIntyre (Bug), Rossif Sutherl, (Billy), Joe Anderson (Donnie)
Genres
Also starring Timothy Olyphant