The High Note

Maggie grew up loving music. Her father is a radio DJ and her mother was a singer. But after graduating college, she ends up landing a job as a lowly assistant for musical legend Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross). As an assistant, Maggie (Dakota Johnson) is often overlooked and taken for granted, despite her spunky and outspoken nature. These personality traits tend to arise mostly in advocation of Grace.

One day, while sitting in on a recording of a reinvisioning of one of Grace’s songs by an obnoxious producer, Maggie stands up for Grace. She then shows Grace a recording she has edited at home of the song. Grace and manager Jack (Ice Cube) are angered by Maggie’s embarrassing outburst but are surprisingly impressed with her production skills. They allow Maggie to produce the track, but are quick to remind her of her place as an assistant and nothing more.

However, Maggie is resilient and not one to give up on her dream. One day, while shopping in the grocery store, she runs into a charming young man named David playing guitar and singing for a crowd. She convinces David she is an established producer working with several musicians. He believes her, and they begin to work together. Maggie has a good ear for music and knows what she likes. David and Maggie are able to work well together, and she soon comes up with a plan to get David noticed by important music types as well as propel herself into her desired position of producer. Maggie attempts to remain professional with David at all times, however the lines of business and pleasure soon begin to blur between the pair as a relationship starts to form.

However, Maggie is resilient and not one to give up on her dream. One day while shopping in the grocery store, she runs into a charming young man named David playing guitar and singing for a crowd. She convinces David she is an established producer working with several musicians. He believes her and they begin to work together. Maggie has a good ear for music and knows what she likes. David and Maggie are able to work well together and she soon comes up with a plan to get David noticed by important music types as well as propel herself into her desired position of producer. Maggie attempts to remain professional with David at all times however the lines of business and pleasure soon begin to blur between the pair as a relationship starts to form.

Maggie attempts to be an attentive assistant to Grace while also focusing on her dream of becoming a producer. Despite her best efforts she is not able to give both clients her full attention and issues soon arise.

Message

Tracee Ellis Ross’ musical debut in “The High Note” is representative of the overall message. According to interviews, the actress has always shied away from singing because of her famous mother’s legendary legacy. Sometimes in life we get comfortable in our routine or doing something that “works” instead of struggling to reach our goals and dreams. In the film, there is a resounding message of community and a common struggle to not be complacent and to chase your dreams. Maggie has an opportunistic job and is warned by her coworkers not to mess up a good thing. Grace is also faced with a similar dilemma. Her producers want her to play her old hits because they are popular and sell, but Grace wants to write new music. When you are comfortable and content, it is often hard to reach for goals that may cause stress and struggle.

Final Thoughts

“The High Note” depicts a dilemma that is familiar to so many people. That is, do we risk what we have in order to get what we desire? It is an upbeat, optimistic film that encourages viewers to be courageous and to value who they are on the inside. The frequent cursing and implied sexual scenes may discourage Christians from viewing this film.

• Profane language: Heavy— “Jesus Christ” “G*d d*mn” (3) “G*d” “Oh my G*d” (22) “My G*d” “Oh G*d” “d**n” (9) “h*ll” (6)
• Vulgar/Crude language: Heavy— f-words (2) s-words (15+) “You d*ck” “a**” (7) “Screw you” “screwed this up” “douchebag” “b**by” “son of a b*tch” “bull cr*p” “P*ss off” “p*ssed” “Sucks”
• Sex: Moderately Heavy— • Sex is implied to have occurred in 2 scenes • There are a few scenes of kissing, with one in particular where a male kisses a female then states, “She is not looking for anything serious.” • sexual comments
• Drugs/Alcohol: Moderately Heavy— • several scenes of dringing wine, beer, champagne • intoxication evident in one scene • mention of heroin
• Nudity: Moderate— • woman seen laying in her underwear next to a male covered in only a sheet • woman in sports bra • cleavage • women and men in swimsuits
• Violence: Minor
• Occult: None

Learn about DISCERNMENT—wisdom in making personal entertainment decisions

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.