Watch Higher Ground

Higher Ground is a 2011 drama film that presents the life and spiritual journey of a woman named Corinne (portrayed by Vera Farmiga) from her childhood until adulthood. The film, which is based on the memoir "This Dark World: A Memoir of Salvation Found and Lost" by Carolyn S. Briggs, shows the difficulties and complexities of being a part of a close-knit religious community.

As a young girl, Corinne grows up with her parents and younger sister in a conservative Christian environment, where the Bible is taken literally, and everything outside of the community is seen as sinful. As she grows up, Corinne begins to question the beliefs and practices of her church, and she starts to feel as though something is missing from her life.

When she meets her future husband, Ethan, a fellow churchgoer, Corinne thinks that her life will finally be complete. However, as they get married and have children, she realizes that she is still searching for something more substantial. Soon, Corinne starts experiencing doubts about her faith and her relationship with God. She starts to question the strict gender roles that her community upholds, along with some of the more extreme and rigid beliefs.

The film explores the challenges and struggles of Corinne's journey as she tries to reconcile her doubts, her relationships, and her faith. She considers leaving the church, but every time she takes a step towards that direction; she finds herself holding back, unsure of what might happen if she abandons the only community she has ever known.

Farmiga's directing and performance showcase the complexities of the character and the spiritual themes that drive this film. She handles the themes of faith and doubt with a deft hand, raising important questions without feeling overly preachy or heavy-handed. Some of the most poignant moments of the film are when Corinne is trying to navigate the thin line between faith and doubt, not wanting to abandon one entirely for the other.

There are moments of levity in the film as well, as Corinne and her friends gossip and share stories about their marital and spiritual experiences, but the overall tone remains poignantly reflective of the struggle of Corinne and her need for balance amidst the tension of the community.

Overall, Higher Ground is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film that explores the spiritual journey of a woman's life while still being relatable to any viewer regardless of their religious affiliation. The film portrays the theme of questioning and exploring oneself intimately, encouraging viewers to also consider their own journeys of faith.

Fans of dramas and character-driven films will find a lot to appreciate here, and anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of faith and spirituality will find the insights and themes of this film fascinating. The film boasts a strong cast, including John Hawkes and Joshua Leonard, but it is Farmiga's direction that stands out, making the personal journey of Corinne both gripping and touching.

Overall, Higher Ground is an exploration of faith and doubt that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film's message of self-discovery and self-acceptance is sure to resonate with anyone looking to better understand themselves and their place in the world. So, if you're looking for a moving, insightful, and powerful film, make sure to check out Higher Ground today.