On CLIPS In September, 2011
HIGHER GROUND 

Vera Farmiga directs and stars in this story of one woman’s lifelong struggle with her faith.

TRIVIA: Vera Farmiga played a character named Caitlin in which 1997 TV series starring Heath Ledger?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (3 CAMS)        RATED R

Corinne (Vera Farmiga), a member of a tight-knit spiritual community, questions her faith in God and human relationships as life becomes a series of struggles. She finds the strength to survive and reach a higher ground. Based on Carolyn S. Briggs’ memoir “This Dark World”, “Higher Ground” is an inspirational depiction of one woman’s journey through life. A magnificent performance by Vera Farmiga is made more impressive given the fact that this is also her directorial debut. The movie drags at times thanks to a preachy screenplay, written by Ms. Briggs with Tim Metcalfe, and the inclusion of too many characters to keep track of. Prominent among the supporting players are Donna Murphy and John Hawkes as Corinne’s divorced parents, Dagmara Dominczyk as her earthy best friend Annika and Joshua Leonard as Corinne’s aspiring rock star husband Ethan, whose plans are changed after marriage. A note of interest: Vera’s younger sister Taissa portrays the teenage version of her character. A soulful spiritual soundtrack with a score by Alec Puro is one of this film’s main attractions. The R rating for language and sexual references will keep church and family groups, the probable core audience, away. But it may be embraced by lovers of independent cinema. Vera Farmiga’s remarkable portrayal should keep “Higher Ground” from descending into movie hell.