Doubt stands victorious!
That's the best part of "Higher Ground," the latest in a flurry of movies with religious themes that are arriving like the falling leaves of the season.
Vera Farmiga, who garnered a lot of notice when she played opposite George Clooney in "Up in the Air," returns as writer, director and star, with high grades for all. She's Corinne, who accepted Jesus as a small girl (McKenzie Turner) under the smarmy guidance of an oh-so-friendly pastor played by Bill Irwin with his usual skill. Farmiga's younger sister, Taissa, portrays Vera, too, in an intermediate stage. Corinne and Ethan (Joshua Leonard, and Boyd Holbrook as a younger man) are an "item" as teenagers, marry and settle into a life where religion and church are major components. St. Louisan Norbert Leo Butz is terrific as their pastor.
The story is based on a memoir, "This Dark World," by Carolyn S. Briggs, adapted for the screen by Tim Metcalfe. It's a realistic view of a woman who is not quite sure where she wants to be. She has a strong intellectual curiosity which sometimes is threatened by the rigidity of church dogma, but she looks back on her baptism with both sensual and philosophical pleasure. Farmiga shows both sides of her thinking with exceptional poise and a realistic approach to the world.
Ethan is more dedicated to the church than Corinne, who resents the patriarchal leadership style of Pastor Bob.
"Higher Ground" is an interesting movie. Farmiga, as both director and actor, shows her difficulty with total acceptance in a reasoned manner, and her talent handles what could be a difficult subject in a mature and graceful manner.
Higher Ground opens today at the Plaza Frontenac
—Joe