Higher Ground

Name: Higher Ground
Released: 2011-8-26
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Donna Murphy, John Hawkes, Dagmara Dominczyk, Bill Irwin

Higher Ground

R
1h 52m
2011

81%

age 16+

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Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut, Higher Ground, depicts the landscape of a tight-knit spiritual community thrown off-kilter when one of their own begins to question her faith. Inspired by Carolyn S. Briggs’ memoir, “This Dark World” , the film tells the story of a thoughtful woman’s struggles with belief, love and trust. A woman who learns that no matter how many times she loses her footing, she has within herself all that’s necessary to get to a higher place.

Director:

Vera Farmiga

Producer:

Writer:

Cast:

Vera Farmiga, Donna Murphy, John Hawkes, Dagmara Dominczyk, Bill Irwin, Joshua Leonard

Rotten Tomatoes® Score

TOMATOMETER®

81%

Critics Consensus: With Higher Ground, star and debuting director Vera Farmiga takes viewers on a challenging spiritual journey whose missteps are easily overcome by its many rich rewards.

Reviews

Three Imaginary Girls

Amie Simon

One of those quiet, thoughtful Indies that comes along every once in awhile-leaving an impression.

It can seem a bit of a mishmash at times, but it's all held together thanks to some impressive act...

It rather presents a quaint coming-of-faith tale that's not especially captivating to watch.

September 8, 2017

FULL REVIEW

Philadelphia Weekly

Sean Burns

The picture never settles for easy answers, and these warmly-drawn characters are granted a surpri...

March 4, 2019

Trespass

Glenn Dunks

Higher Ground is a fantastic debut for Farmiga.

August 15, 2017

FULL REVIEW

Common Sense Media

age 16+

Common Sense Says

Moving drama about faith and doubt dares to be smart.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this affecting, complex drama depicts a faithful woman struggling to reconcile her doubts with her religious beliefs. It's a bracingly honest portrayal that doesn't buy into the typical stereotypes of either the pious or the questioning. The lead character starts her relationship with God in earnest as a teen mom; the road that leads her there is revealed straightforwardly: She's shown having premarital sex (though there's no nudity) and struggling to understand the adults around her, many of whom have lost their moorings themselves. These are heavy themes, which -- along with the movie's sexual content (in addition to teens having sex, characters also frankly discuss body parts and how to pleasure the opposite sex) and swearing -- makes it a better fit for older viewers.