Higher Ground

Higher Ground is a 2011 American drama film that’s both directed by and stars Vera Farmiga, an actress known for her compelling and layered portrayals of complex characters. The film also stars Joshua Leonard and Dagmara Dominczyk, each delivering moving performances in a drama that delves into the depths of faith, love, and the human condition.

The movie is Vera Farmiga's directorial debut, an adaptation of the memoir "This Dark World: A Memoir of Salvation Found and Lost" by Carolyn S. Briggs. Farmiga’s powerful directorial choices reflect the innate understanding of her character's emotional journey and bring out a profound resonance that captivates the audience.

Set in the world of seventies and eighties subculture, Higher Ground delivers a refreshing yet profound exploration of faith and spirituality. It follows the life journey of a woman named Corinne Walker, portrayed by Farmiga, grappling with her faith and the choices she makes along the way. The narrative spans several decades, tracing Corinne's journey from a young child to a grown woman.

As a child, Corinne confronts an undefined spirituality, with hints of skepticism that follow her into adolescence and adulthood. Her initial acquaintance with Christianity appears to provide her with a sense of peace and identity. The role of Corinne is also portrayed by McKenzie Turner as a young child and by Taissa Farmiga, Vera Farmiga's real-life sister, during Corinne's teenage years. These portrayals effectively depict Corinne's personal and spiritual evolution.

Corinne eventually marries her childhood sweetheart Ethan (Joshua Leonard), a love story marked by highs, lows, and sing-along rock and roll sessions in Ethan's band. When a near-fatal accident leads to a profound yet intimidating spiritual experience, Corinne and Ethan are pulled into a small fundamentalist community. They find a semblance of belonging and connection there. However, Corinne’s relationship with this community starts to change. This is when Dagmara Dominczyk's character, Annika, comes to play a pivotal role. Annika’s unabashed personality and unorthodox expressions of faith open new perspectives for Corinne.

Farmiga expertly elevates the story by taking viewers on an intimate tour of a woman's inner and outer spiritual journey. Her portrayal of Corinne offers a nuanced understanding of a woman navigating a world of faith and doubt, longing, and desire, all tied together with an authentic fear of losing that faith. Farmiga's approach to exploring a spiritual crisis does not deviate towards the overly melodramatic. Instead, she maintains an understated, sensitive unfolding of events deeply rooted in the human experience.

At the same time, the supporting cast provides commendable performances. Joshua Leonard's portrayal of Ethan gives an authentic depiction of an individual juggling between his love for his wife and his own spiritual journey. Dominczyk's bold and unique portrayal of Annika provides much-needed contrast to the otherwise homogenous community. Other cast members, including John Hawkes, Donna Murphy, and Bill Irwin, also add depth to the narrative with their compelling performances.

Higher Ground challenges the traditional narratives around faith and doubt, exploring the delicate sphere of individual spirituality with respect and empathy. It's a film about human vulnerability and the struggle to find purpose, as well as about the courage to question and seek answers.

In terms of technical aspects, Michael McDonough's cinematography adds tremendous value to the movie. The seventies and eighties are faithfully recreated, and the rural ambiance is used effectively to echo the narrative's mood and emotions. The music, including the hymns and songs performed throughout the movie, add to its emotional impact.

In conclusion, Higher Ground is a captivating character study and an empathetic exploration of the constant tug-of-war between belief and questioning, spirituality and human nature. Not an outright criticism nor an endorsement of religion, the nuance of its storytelling is distinctively touching and honest. It offers a thought-provoking experience that encourages viewers to reflect on faith, relationships, and the meaning of finding one's own "higher ground".