In terms of popularity, In the heights is 2021’s greatest showman. If you think that’s a big statement, watch the film and then try to disagree. In the heights is such a joyous, high-spirited, and united film that shines a loving light on so many stories, people, and events to the point where I think it’s hard to find an element of the film that you can’t relate to some way. Adapted from the Broadway musical of the same way, In the heights is about Washington Heights: New York; the many people that live there and the many dreams they possess. In the of the Latino borough is Unsavi (Anthony Ramos), a shop owner who aspires to return home to the Dominican Republic to reopen his late parents seashore bar. While it would be near impossible to list everyone in the film and their story, I can confidently say that everyone in this film is amazing in their roles. A particular stand out for me was Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz) who reprises the role from the stage musical and continues to crush her role. Her character has such a powerful impact on the story and its something that really moved me. The film really takes advantage of the fact it’s not a musical production and does things that could never be done on stage. The sets were so colourful and vibrant, and the choreography is on a completely other level. This film has some of the best choreographed dances I’ve ever seen on screen, and they are all done in a creative and ingenious way. The songs are also brilliant, as of writing this I’m listening to the soundtrack and each song is performed to the fullest and some genuinely made me lose my breathe when I saw the visuals that accompanied them. However, the film does clock in at 2 and a half hours, which is very long even when you consider how much it explores- it might be a lot for some to sit through.
