Higher Ground

Higher Ground

I know this was a fine film but I found it disturbing on an emotional level. Corinne is a charming young girl. She meets a musician and they marry early in life when she discovers she is pregnant. The family turns to religion after a near death experience in a car accident. They become part of a ‘love Jesus’ cult. They dress simply. They thank God for everything and Jesus seems to rule their lives.
Nobody is assaulted or treated badly. In fact a lot of love is shown amongst the congregants. They help one another and seem to enjoy social events together singing the songs about Jesus. At the same time they are ruled by their religiosity.
The men and women had different prayer study groups. At one meeting the men listen to tapes on how to achieve better sex. They all listed with a straight face and no emotion. It was quite hilarious.
Corinne begins to have doubts. She knows that life is not offering her all that she wants. She recognizes the fact that her husband is not cultured and she seems to crave literature and poetry in her life.
The film really is her story. We see her as a child growing up in her family .Even as a young child she liked to read. The librarian is portrayed in a stereotypical manner. She purses her lips and looks austere as she criticizes Corinne’s choice of Lord Of The Flies. We see how poorly she was living as a newly married woman. Her children brought her so much satisfaction but it wasn’t enough.
My distress was for Corinne. I felt her pain and wanted her to find a release from her desires. Unfortunately her wishes caused her husband anguish as she avoided his tender offerings.
The film was open ended and I liked it that way. I would be so interested in listening to opinions about what probably happens to Corinne.
The film is well done. I heard more religion in this film than I have experienced in a life time. I did find that aspect constricting.