Higher Ground (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011)

Professional critics were fairly lukewarm toward this film, although even then, many acknowledged that elements within it are exceptional. For one thing, it is very unusual to see a serious work that treats religion--and a rather fundamentalist form of Christianity at that--seriously and without insult, irony, or undue reverence. Most films focusing on related topics either satirize people of faith (Saved!) or offer syrupy endorsements of faith Fireproof). Rarely is faith depicted as the mixed bag it often is. While "Higher Ground" doesn't have the same scope and grandeur, in that one particular--treating faith seriously--it reminded me most of The Mission (Two-Disc Special Edition).

I was surprised and delighted to see all of the five-star reviews already posted. My concern is that many people would miss the uniqueness of this film and mistake it for either a hatchet job (because church life and serious spiritual commitments are depicted warts and all--it's not all smooth sailing for this male-dominated, anti-intellectual sect) or an endorsement of fundamentalism (because it's not all bad, either--the movie just assumes that faith provides comforts, joys, principles, and experiences that can have transcendent value for those who hold to it).

Sexuality, which is often a hot topic for fundamentalists, is treated frankly and realistically, and consequently provides some of the movie's greatest moments of humor. C.S. Lewis wrote that Eros is a comic spirit, and "Ground" does not shy away from that aspect of life. It also shows a complex and authentically rendered family life that includes alcoholism, divorce, temptation, and the rigors and amazement of parenting. Too, it tackles illness and loss. It's a complete package...a touching and meaning-filled drama that will stick with you and will likely provoke some reflection and discussion.

From my own experience as a fundamentalist cut from a bolt of cloth not unlike the one featured in "Ground," I can attest to its overall accuracy and authenticity. I can also attest that, as with the main character, Corinne Walker, books, conversation, museums and personal independence can help lead one away from the less healthy, more smothering aspects of fundamentalism. In my case, those things led me to question my faith altogether and to reconstruct my life without it, and I am better and more happy as a result. We never see Corinne abandon her faith, but we don't see her giving up her quest for other, more expansive answers, either.

I think "Higher Ground" will be enjoyable to anyone open to identifying with someone who might not be just as they are. A fundamentalist watching it can perhaps gain a better appreciation for the kinds of things that might make that life seem stultifying to some people; and the skeptic or non-religious person might gain some sympathy for how faith provides a foundation for some people to cope better with life's existential trials.

This is a review of the movie DVD disc only.

The film doesn't have the look of a plotted, story-boarded narrative. There's no imposed arc or resolution to the gentle moments of a woman's life shown here. We see her low-key movement toward, and then away from, religious attendance.

Contrary to what the film's cover might lead one to believe, this is no indictment of another megalomaniacal cult leader. There are no bad guys here. This film does a remarkable job presenting a series of realistic, slice-of-life scenes. We feel as if we are eavesdropping in a woman's everyday kitchen, at her everyday church services.

The producers also did a remarkable job finding actors to play the lead as a girl, then as a teen, then as a mature woman. For once, there does appear to be a continuity of features, unlike most films involving time progressions in which it's impossible to believe that child grew into an adult who would look like that.

This whole film is absorbingly realistic and touching. As movie-goers, we might be used to more dramatic action, so it takes a while to calm down into the more reflective mood of this piece. For example, it was only when I viewed this movie through for the second time, that I caught the moving coincidence of the scene in which Corinne sits on her church steps, patting a stray dog who has temporarily attached itself to her.

This isn't a chick-flick. Nor is it a charge against religious fanaticism. Nor is it any kind of standard beginning-middle-and-end story. This movie is unclassifiable like life itself.

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Vera Farmiga tackles yet another topic that could have been inflammatory although with her, it is not. Using an honesty and bravery as she is so often capable of in this her directing debut. She is looking at the subject of one woman's (Corrine Miller, also portrayed by Farmiga) faith and the eventual questioning of this through the vehicle of the 1970's wave of Fundamentalism.

This portrait has a lovely soundtrack worth noting by Alec Puro. Farmiga directs without the condescending or mocking tone towards Christianity which is often present in films. It has a broad appeal, to the believer and the nonbeliever alike. It is a question of personal faith not of righteousness through Christianity.

The movie starts with Corrine's childhood in Vacation Bible School, with the pastor Bud (done wonderfully by Bill Irwin). The picture quickly shifts to Corrine's teenage years. She is a writer and meets her future spouse Ethan, who wants her to write for his rock band. They eventually marry and a short while after their first daughter is born, a tragedy happens.

This leads the couple to their established adult family life in a fundamental church community. Ethan Miller has given up the rock life and is an elder in the church. Corrine is a devoted and devout young wife and mother. Add to the mix a best friend (Anika-"Nika") whom Corrine is so close to. She adds light, color and life to their friendship. Nika is extremely devout herself as she is also playful and fun for Corrine.

There are so many happenings through the fifteen year marriage; her church life and her personal life. Vera Farmiga handles this with a special skill and precision, which leads our protagonist to her doubting and questioning of her faith. Corrine begs God to help her to "feel" Him again because at this point she says she "feels nothing", when she "used to be so full". One episode that occurs is the happening to Nika and her relationship. I could literally feel the pain of it rip right through Farmiga in a powerful response at the church. I also see the seeds of distrust get planted ever deeper as it would send anyone reeling. Nika is her confidante in life.

Adding laughter of life with friends and family situations, there is injected humor, although the piece itself is in no way a comedy. Humor is brought from the two friends that keeps their union fresh and close. What they say or do may be frowned on by the church although I see it as anything any two women would share. This is another reason I find this movie so relevant as friends in the truest form.

The ending is brilliant (without giving away anything), we simply see Corrine through everything, walking out into the street in the bright sun. This leaves an open-ended conclusion and opinion for the viewer to decide. See this for its great storytelling and provocative theme, also for discussion. It was very helpful for me on a personal level and left me thinking on it for a long while.

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This is a must see. As other reviewers have pointed out, it treats the subject matter in a very non-judgmental way, simply portraying one woman's struggle without caricaturing the faith community. A unique perspective. I highly recommend this one.

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I can't think of a movie in recent memory that has truly risen to treat the subject of religion. Vera Farmiga's new film, Higher Ground, does so with honesty, not reaching for an easy black and white resolution. It raises very relevant questions for anyone who has tried to reconcile spirituality with life in the modern world. And though the topic may seem austere, Farmiga does a wonderful job (as director and lead) of imbuing this film with subtlety and humor.

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