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

82%

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®

82%

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

Bay Area Reporter

David Lamble

...fueled by an emotive ensemble, featuring Farmiga as a devout woman who resists the patriarchal...

June 10, 2020

FULL REVIEW

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

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.