Natasha Kundi In the heights is a movie full of liveliness for the lust of life. It centres around community and the daily struggles of making a living, finding love or establishing a place in the world. Important moments that will forever change the life of the individuals involved.
Anthony Ramos’ Usnavi, is a corner-shop owner saving up to return to the Dominican Republic and reopen his father’s old beach bar, as his neighbourhood redevelops, and old businesses are pushed out. He’s crushing on Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), who’s planning to move downtown and start her own dress shop.
Meanwhile the exceptional Nina (Leslie Grace) is back in town from Stanford. She left as a straight-A student and as the hope of her family and friends. But returns with a secret, causing conflict with her dad (Jimmy Smits) but bringing her closer to her once and perhaps future love, Benny (Corey Hawkins).
Around this hub there’s a cast of small cousins, salon girls and caring grandmothers. With plot lines of disastrous dates, winning the lottery, the difficulty of ‘Dreamers’ (undocumented immigrants) and a New York blackout taking place during a heatwave.
It’s a heartfelt, genuinely inspiring musical full of sentiment that will tug on your heart. The musical highlights the characters immense pride of their Latino heritage and their cultural influence against the raiding forces of New York development. The resilience throughout the community and the support they offer each other is superbly engaging and extremely joyful to watch.
