The High Note - A Movie Review

If there are no surprises then who am I doing it for?

The High Note is a 2020 film about an overworked personal assistant who wants to branch out and be a producer. When Maggie is offered a deal that could change her career path, she faces obstacles.

We all have the chance to build our careers - just as long as we follow our hearts. The High Note is an entertaining film about the music industry. I have come to love these types of storylines. Styled and upbeat, The High Note is drawn out in its message delivery, but that does not stop it from helping us find our greatness.

Maggie (Dakota Johnson) is a fierce young woman who takes every opportunity to expand her career. As the lead, Johnson is excellent, but there were moments when her delivery was unconvincing. She excelled in her character’s zest for the music industry and unique visions for music.

Recently, I saw Tracee Ellis Ross in American Fiction. I wanted to see another film with her and am thankful to have found this film. As her performance attests here, Ross is good at guiding her characters. Grace is a successful singer but does she have it all? There are more layers to Grace than being the typical stereotypical superstar.

Other notable talents include Kelvin Harrison Jr., Bill Pullman, Zoe Chao, Marc Evan Jackson, and one of my favorite performances by Ice Cube! He plays a strict agent. This is the first time I’ve seen him play a character, not his trademark personality. I needed to see him in this role!

I liked the dynamics among the characters, particularly Maggie and Grace. Ignoring their levels of success, they have heart-to-heart talks about how they feel. You need to make connections with anyone because they could be the next step to your dreams.

The High Note is a vibrant film, gushing lively colors and settings. Filmmakers outdid themselves with concert scenes, creating animated light shows. California and Los Angeles made perfect filming locations. Cinematographer, Jason McCormack used an anamorphic lens, a technique never used before.

The film has good pacing, but towards the end, it’s drawn out. The film could have been shorter because the moral was repeating itself. Writers decided that they had one final twist up their sleeves. I still have mixed opinions about the reveal of two character’s relationship, but it makes sense with their careers.

Nisha Ganatra was initially the film’s producer until she was asked to direct. She has an impressive knack for nuanced storytelling. Finding a personal connection of her own, she made a film that inspires viewers to take control of their career goals and guide their pathway.

The High Note celebrates Los Angeles, the music industry, and careers. We all have something we’re passionate about. The question is, can we make a career out of it? Study the steps of finding your dreams. Remember, do not sell yourself short. Like Maggie, always bring your ideas to the table, decide what your next goal is, and follow what makes you happy.

Fans of the music industry should check out this movie. Music has its own world. Over the last year, I’ve started listening to music more and following singers. Music is a form of storytelling and It also brings people together

I hadn’t heard of The High Note until I discovered it on IMDB. I don’t believe it has garnered enough attention since its release in 2020. Find this inspiring film and watch it. The story may give you the needed answers.