Name: The High Note
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Music, Drama
Released: 2020-06-10T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ice Cube, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Bill Pullman

The opening scene of The High Note is a dazzling display of musical spectacle: Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), the film’s aging R&B superstar, takes the stage in a sea of glitter and gold, her voice soaring over a packed arena. It’s a moment that should electrify, but instead, it feels like a hollow showcase, a glitzy veneer masking the film’s struggle to find its own rhythm.

Directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Flora Greeson, The High Note is a comedy-drama set in the glittering world of Los Angeles music scene. It centers on Maggie Sherwoode (Dakota Johnson), an overworked personal assistant to Grace Davis, who dreams of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager presents her with a career-altering choice, Maggie and Grace hatch a plan that could change their lives forever.

What works in The High Note is its undeniable charm and the chemistry between its leads. Tracee Ellis Ross delivers a performance that balances Grace’s diva-like ego with moments of vulnerability, making her character far more than just a one-note caricature. Kelvin Harrison Jr., as aspiring musician David Cliff, brings an earnestness and raw talent to his role that makes their creative partnership compelling. The film also benefits from its vibrant visual style, with slick production design and costume choices that capture the glamour of the music industry.

However, The High Note stumbles in its execution. Dakota Johnson’s performance, while not outright bad, often feels flat and lacks the ambition and fire necessary to sell Maggie’s aspirations. Her monotone delivery and passive demeanor make it difficult to root for her character, especially when she’s supposed to be a driven young woman chasing her dreams. The film’s pacing also suffers from predictable beats and a lack of narrative tension. Despite its ambitious premise, The High Note often feels like a series of well-intentioned but unremarkable set pieces strung together.

Moreover, the film’s attempt to tackle themes of ambition, female empowerment, and the pressures of aging in the music industry is somewhat muddled. While it touches on interesting ideas, it never fully explores them with the depth or nuance they deserve. The romance between Maggie and David, while sweet, feels underdeveloped and tacked on, serving more as a plot device than a genuine emotional connection.

Ultimately, The High Note is a pleasant diversion, but one that doesn’t quite hit the high notes it aims for.