Higher Ground 2011

In the early 1960s, Corinne Walker finds herself grappling with skepticism regarding the existence of God. The tragedy of losing her stillborn brother sends her parents’ marriage into a downward spiral over the years. As she enters her teenage years, she crosses paths with Ethan Miller, an aspiring musician in the local rock band, The Renegades. Their relationship culminates in marriage when Corinne becomes pregnant, and they welcome their daughter, Abigail. Tragedy strikes when their tour bus crashes into a river, prompting Ethan to bravely leap into the water in an attempt to rescue Abby while Corinne desperately pleads with God for her child’s safety. Miraculously, Abby is saved just before the bus sinks, leading Ethan to believe that their survival is a divine intervention. This pivotal moment draws Ethan and Corinne closer to Jesus, as they eventually find themselves enveloped in a radical New Testament church community.

As adults, Corinne and Ethan navigate life together with their daughters, Abigail and Lilly, within an enclave of self-proclaimed “Jesus freaks.” Corinne’s daily existence comprises extensive Bible study and unconventional family practices. However, the husbands are advised by Pastor Bill to be more attentive to their wives’ desires after a fellow husband’s infidelity caused his family to break apart. Corinne’s best friend, Annika, even encourages her to keep the spark alive by suggesting playful activities, such as drawing their husbands’ bodies.

One fateful day, Corinne’s younger sister, Wendy, arrives at her doorstep after facing another failed relationship, thus moving in with them. During a family dinner, their father reflects on the mistakes he made, emphasizing that children are life’s greatest treasures, while also accepting his share of the blame for how losing their baby brother fractured his marriage. Tensions escalate when Ethan discovers Lilly with some cocaine swiped from Wendy’s suitcase, prompting him and Corinne to flush the drugs away. Wendy’s frustration leads her to storm out.

Time goes on, and Corinne learns she is pregnant again. During a discussion at a group meeting, she attempts to voice her opinions, only to be silenced by Pastor Bill and his wife, who reinforce the belief that women should not preach or teach men. On another occasion, the pastor’s wife scolds Corinne for her choice of dress, suggesting it might attract unwanted attention.

Corinne eventually gives birth to a boy, named Gabe. However, the challenges continue as Annika is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Although the community prays fervently for her, Annika endures a harrowing surgery that leaves her with brain damage, rendering her unable to communicate or move freely. This devastating turn of events shakes Corinne’s faith to its core, pushing her away from church services and creating a rift between her and Ethan. In a heated argument over Gabe, a moment of violence occurs when Ethan attempts to strangle Corinne in a fit of rage. Their search for help leads them to a couples therapist, Dr. Dick Adams, but his stringent ideologies do little to mend their marriage, prompting Corinne to leave Ethan behind.

As she explores a new, secular lifestyle, Corinne meets Liam Donovan, an Irish mailman with a passion for poetry during a casual visit to the library. Their friendship blossoms through flirtation, shared book recommendations, and poetic readings. Meanwhile, pressure from her family mounts to reconcile with Ethan, but Corinne remains resolute, refusing to kiss him at Gabe’s birthday celebration. Her complicated emotions regarding her family dynamics are highlighted, as her mother showcases her acceptance of her ex-husband’s apologies.

Conflicted about her children’s continued involvement in church, Corinne makes an initial visit but is distracted by a dog’s presence. As she observes Liam engaging with children at the library, she is reminded of what she could lose. Ultimately, she finds herself attending a service where she witnesses Ethan and the children performing. In a moment of empowerment, Corinne seizes the microphone and delivers a heartfelt speech to the pastor and the entire congregation, candidly discussing her journey with faith, the weight of her uncertainties, and what it truly means to stand on “higher ground.”