Is High Above Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, High Above is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
High Above Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, High Above emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Eighteen-year-old Vasya Tikhonova is travelling with her parents to a medical resort near Moscow, seeking treatment. Unlike standard genre fare, High Above attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Oksana Karas, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and High Above features a noteworthy lineup led by Taisiya Vilkova. Supported by the likes of Philipp Avdeev and Polina Vitorgan, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Taisiya Vilkova, Philipp Avdeev, Polina Vitorgan manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2019 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, Romance space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, High Above is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of High Above follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 104 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, High Above resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 4.2/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, High Above is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Eighteen-year-old Vasya Tikhonova is travelling with her parents to a medical resort near Moscow, seeking treatment. She has a congenital heart defect, and her mother has always been overprotective. But when the Tikhonov family arrives, a murder is committed at the resort. And within seven days, Vasya’s life will change dramatically. She will meet her first love, she will take a big risk fighting for it, and she will make a discovery that is scary, but grants her freedom.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of High Above (2019) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4.2/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, Romance categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Taisiya Vilkova, Philipp Avdeev, Polina Vitorgan or the visual majesty of its technical execution, High Above is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2019. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
High Above Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $127,533 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Where to Watch High Above Online?
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IviParents Guide & Age Rating
High Above has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Romance), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.2/10, and global collection metrics, High Above stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Above movie hit or flop?
High Above is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.2/10 and lower collections.
Is High Above worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.2/10, High Above may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch High Above online?
High Above is currently available for streaming on Ivi. You can also check for it on platforms like Ivi depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Eighteen-year-old Vasya Tikhonova is travelling with her parents to a medical resort near Moscow, seeking treatment. She has a congenital heart defect, and her mother has always been overprotective. But when the Tikhonov family arrives, a murder is committed at the resort. And within seven days, Vasya’s life will change dramatically. She will meet her first love, she will take a big risk fighting for it, and she will make a discovery that is scary, but grants her freedom.