'The High Note' review: An off-key partnership

Photo courtesy of Focus Features

One of the hottest films at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival was director Nisha Ganatra’s “Late Night”. It told the witty tale of an aging comedic entertainer (Emma Thompson) who is given a chance at longevity thanks to a precocious assistant (Mindy Kaling). Ganatra’s new film “The High Note” tells the lifeless story of an aging musical entertainer (Tracee Ellis Ross) who is given a chance at longevity thanks to a precocious assistant (Dakota Johnson). It’s hard not to spot the obvious similarities between the two films, but, even on its own terms, “The High Note” is a been-there, done-that affair with none of the spark that has made its genre predecessors work so well.

Things don’t start great for “The High Note” as we’re rushed through opening credits and introduced to musical superstar Grace Davis by quick interview clips and a flashy montage. We see her past highs and current lows in the span of just a few minutes. As played by Tracee Ellis Ross, the character comes off as a 2020 version of legendary singer Diana Ross, which isn’t altogether a bad thing when you realize that the actress and musical inspiration are a real life mother-daughter combo.

If the film stuck with Grace Davis as our lead, we might have something but instead the focus is put on her long-suffering assistant Maggie (Dakota Johnson). She’s the audience surrogate and makes it known from the top that she knows what’s best for Grace’s musical career and can turn her current slump around. That kind of initiative isn’t welcome news to Grace or her profit-hungry manager (Ice Cube) so the question becomes will Maggie find a way to be heard or strike out on her own? If you’re guessing that an easy resolution comes next you’re probably not wrong and that hypothesis also comes with a side of romance (as most of these stories tend to do).

The film’s romantic conflict comes in the form of up-and-comer Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“Luce”), he plays a mysterious singer who attracts Maggie’s professional guidance which could also lead to something more. His supporting turn along with other cast members including Bill Pullman and Eddie Izzard give the film moments of life when it desperately needs them most.

“The High Note” is innocuous entertainment, and the film’s premiere this week through video on demand is perfectly suited to those staying at home looking for something new to watch. It’s a breezy fantasy with a side of romance that will please casual comedy fans, and make others looking for something more substantial seek out Nisha Ganatra’s previous film “Late Night” instead.

Rating: C

“The High Note” is available through video on demand May 29.