In The Heights (2021) | Film Review

With the exception of The Greatest Showman and Sweeney Todd, I rarely get excited by critiquing a musical. Yet somehow, In The Heights – a tale of vocally talented Latinos struggling with their futures in New York’s Washington Heights – might be one of the easiest reviews I’ve ever had the pleasure to write. From the opening narration (which continues to an emotionally eloquent conclusion) until the final frame, this film is an absolute explosion of joy.

It all begins with a dreamer, Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), an infectiously likeable bodega owner pining for a return to the Dominican Republic to live out his days in perceived paradise. Usnavi also finds his heart getting pulled in the direction of the outwardly confident wannabe fashionista, Vanessa (Melissa Barrera). Also with her head in the clouds, Vanessa longs to walk away from her job at the salon to pursue her true talents in fashion design.

Elsewhere in the Heights, Nina (Leslie Grace) returns from Stanford with doubts about her place in the world, with a father (Jimmy Smits) who struggles to understand her plight. All while taxi dispatcher Benny (Corey Hawkins) keeps the Heights moving, and secretly waits for Nina’s love when timing will allow. And never forget Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz), the saintly honorary grandmother overseeing the neighborhood.

This is a rather flawless cast and therefore no complaints, but the standout is easily Usnavi de le Vega. Anthony Ramos might just be a stronger vessel for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s versatile musical style than Miranda himself. Ramos eases into the role Miranda played on the stage with earnest grace. As we roll into each song or dance sequence, Ramos glides like an eagle, coasting on the wings of a tune and the air of determination. Fluid, endlessly charismatic, effortlessly empathetic. Ramos is our window into this community, and his curtains are drawn wide open for the world to soak in Latin culture as affectionately as he does.

Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) adapts Lin-Manuel Miranda’s stage musical, and delivers a cinematic reinterpretation of In The Heights that effusively goes broader and bolder than most adaptations ever dare. There is a bit of a lull midway through the film, but even that minor transgression is immediately remedied by Chu’s sharp focus on maintaining smiles across the audience. A few dazzling effects and incredible set-pieces – “96,000” is one of the most fantastic musical sequences ever put to film – and it’s completely evident why Chu was the person for this job.

The appeal and selling point of the film lies in its roots, Lin-Manuel Miranda himself. The Hamilton maestro has revolutionized the modern musical with his ability to combine and collaborate skillfully between multiple styles, compositions, and genres. Miranda’s lyrical Olympics flow naturally here with the storytelling (assisted by Quiara Alegría Hudes’ screenplay), where instead of random shouts of GASTON that take us out of specific moments by halting the story dead in its tracks, Miranda infuses his story INTO the music, blending both into a seamless art that constantly engages the mind, body, and swagger.

In The Heights serves as a love letter and celebration of the Hispanic community. Dreams, aspirations, hard work, family, friends, food, and fun. These are the pillars of the culture. Leaving the dried up stereotypes of the past on the curb with the rest of the trash, In The Heights showcases the warmth and beauty inherent within Latinés the world over. If you are part of their culture, you’ll immediately feel at home. If you are not, you’ll instantly want to move in, and Abuela Claudia will be there to embrace you with open arms.

The world needed this. Movie theaters needed this. I needed this. In The Heights is the crowd-singing, chair-shaking, summer fever-inducing, electrified block party we all needed after the past year and a half. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jon M. Chu have collaborated to give a history and cultural lesson to the masses; and like the best teachers, they did it through inspiration and sheer joy. Grab your familia and amigos, it’s time for a celebration of life on the big screen.

Follow our further discussion on In The Heights via this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast: