Nora (Sara Friedman) has just experienced something of a manic episode while she sat taking the bar exam. Troubled by the noises that surround her, incapable of coming to terms with all that takes place around her, Sara is now forced to return home to Maine where she will attend therapy, participate in court-ordered community service, and attempt to find herself once more. It seems that the abundance of stimuli around her is Heightened, and she’s incapable of dealing with the real world–but on her journey toward recovery she may just find something (or someone) to help her.
Friedman, who also acts as writer and director, seems to have been heavily inspired by Wes Anderson, as Heightened plays out in an eclectic and eccentric fashion. What really drew me to this conclusion was the fact that many of the instances of the film that feel just a tad hyperreal are paired with music that really keeps in tone with many of the Anderson films that I’m familiar with. These moments really work to strengthen Heightened, and these moments do a wonderful job of appealing to viewers and creating a feeling of almost magical realism. There is something about these instances that exist throughout the film that feel so different than everything else–and they create a stellar juxtaposition that helps to create levity, but also accessibility.
Nora just might be one of the most relatable characters that I have ever seen on screen. From the second viewers see her, until Heightened concludes, there is never a moment when I looked at her and struggled to see myself. This wasn’t a character that I was looking for, but I think that it’s the character that I needed to see. She sort of forced me to look at myself and evaluate all of my quirks and my struggles and question them. Friedman is to thank for bringing this character to life (in more ways than one). From the top she wrote a character that, on paper, should surely appeal to the masses–but that’s only a small portion of the battle. She then physically brings Nora to life and has the wherewithal to analyze her performance from the director’s chair in order to create a complete character. This character is brilliant, she’s the heart and soul of Heightened–and she’s so important to viewers.
Then there’s Dusty (Dave Register), a character that has the potential to break the film–but ultimately becomes something so wholesome and beautiful that he compliments Nora in the best possible ways. It’s not just Dusty that compliments Nora, however, Register compliments Friedman just as well. His mannerisms and tone of voice remind me of a young Matthew Broderick, poised to entertain just about anyone that will watch him and delivering at every turn. He’s stellar, and just another beautiful piece of the incredible Heightened.
It seems that, while there are things outside of the characters that will appeal to viewers, it’s the characters that make Heightened what it is. That starts from the top with Friedman’s writing (as previously mentioned), and as each of the actors own their roles with incredible aplomb, everyone comes to life with passion and vigor. Even the worst characters are appealing at times, and that’s a testament to what Friedman and her team of talented actors are able to bring to this project.
For those viewers who have been fortunate enough not to have to deal with OCD, ADHD, and similar struggles, Heightened may initially feel a little odd. It will initially feel unfamiliar, possibly even inaccessible (don’t worry, it’ll come around). However, for those of us that struggle with those aforementioned (and similar) disorders, it’s so easy to fall in love with this film. Heightened perfectly showcases the struggles of individuals like Nora, and the film is brought to life in a way that allows the world to understand what people like Nora experience each and every day.
Written & Directed by Sara Friedman.
Starring Sara Friedman, Dave Register, Sarah Clarke, Mike Mitchell, Xander Berkeley, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
