The fine actress Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air, Source Code, The Departed) directs and stars in this drama about a woman in a tightly communal church and how her faith supports and fails her. Farmiga’s character is not a naturally spiritual person, but lives within an intensely spiritual community. It’s rare that a film examines the question of religion so personally. It’s a thoughtful and provocative film that takes a position, albeit a respectful one.
Higher Ground, adapted from a novel, would have benefited from less sexism from the male characters and more contemporary clothing for the female characters; both distract from the central question of the usefulness of faith. As a director, Farmiga is not afraid of using some magic realism, which generally works.
The performances are especially strong. Vera’s little sister Taissa Farmiga, aided by a strong physical resemblance, is eerily perfect as the younger version of the protagonist. Also especially excellent are Dagmara Dominczyk as an especially vibrant church member, Michael Chernus as her sincere and dutiful husband and Norbert Leo Butz as the pastor. The always reliable Bill Irwin (Rachel Getting Married) and John Hawkes (Deadwood, Winter’s Bone) are good, too.