Watch As High As The Sky

As High As The Sky is a 2012 indie drama movie directed by Nikki Braendlin that turns out to be a lovely, inspirational story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. It stars Caroline Fogarty as Margaret, a successful, career-driven woman with an extraordinary talent for organizing events and a lifelong reluctance to confront her emotional issues. However, her life takes a turn for the better, or worse, when she has to take care of her little sister, Lizzie (Laurel Porter), after their mother dies suddenly. Margaret is not thrilled about interrupting her busy LA schedule to go back to her hometown in Oregon, where she grew up feeling alienated and misunderstood. She doesn't remember much about Lizzie, who was just a baby when Margaret left, and is annoyed by the realization that the child is six years old and still talks and acts like a toddler - a clear sign of developmental delays.

Margaret's initial coldness and discomfort around Lizzie slowly melt away when she realizes the love, patience and determination that Lizzie needs from her to grow and thrive. Margaret gradually discovers Lizzie's endearing personality, her quirks, and her needs, and begins to understand the reasons behind the way she turned out. Margaret learns to be a better, more nurturing person, and to forgive herself for the past mistakes that burdened her for so long. In a compelling scene, Margaret spends a day with Lizzie, taking her to the park and trying to help her interact with other kids. When Lizzie is overwhelmed by the sensory stimuli and hides, Margaret sits down next to her and hums a lullaby that she remembers from their mother. Lizzie's response is heartwarming, and the two sisters bond over their shared love for music and singing.

The movie also tackles themes of friendship and community, as Margaret reconnects with her childhood friend, Sam (Bonnie McNeil), whose father was a mentor to Margaret. Sam is supportive, kind and unjudging, and offers Margaret a glimpse of the warm, loving family that Margaret always craved for but never had. Sam teaches her the way of living in the present, cherishing the little things, and detaching from the unimportant stuff.

As High As The Sky blends sadness and hopefulness, drama and humor, darkness and light in a genuine, subtle way that doesn't feel manipulative or cloying. The movie is powerful and moving without being preachy or sentimental; it creates a sense of authenticity and understatedness that is refreshing to watch.

The movie's cinematography is simple, but effective, with a blueish landscape of the pacific northwest and a bright, colorful and cozy interior setting of Sam's house. The use of music adds a poignant touch to the movie, with Margaret's piano playing evoking different memories and emotions.

Caroline Fogarty delivers a nuanced, sensitive and believable performance as Margaret, a woman who learns to open her heart and let go of her fears. Her character arc is gradual but rewarding, and she manages to convey a myriad of emotions with very subtle gestures and expressions. Laurel Porter's portrayal of Lizzie is impressive, and she brings a mixture of innocence and intuitiveness to her role that is both funny and poignant. Bonnie McNeil is a charming presence on screen, and her character, Sam, adds a unique perspective to the movie, balancing out Margaret's cynicism with her own optimism.

Overall, As High As The Sky is a heartwarming, feel-good movie that deals with complex emotional issues in a very human and relatable way. It's a movie that touches the heart and enlightens the mind, reminding us of the power of love, compassion and forgiveness.

As High As The Sky is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.