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Higher

Name: Higher
Director: Jeremy Jones, Steve Jones, Todd Jones
Released: 2014
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

2014

Director

Jeremy Jones, Steve Jones, Todd Jones

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Higher is a specialized biographical documentary that prioritizes individual skill acquisition and environmental interaction. The narrative follows a singular journey of personal growth and expertise in the winter wilderness. Because the film focuses on a specific athlete's progression, it lacks the breadth required to explore overlapping aspects of identity. The content is centered on the relationship between humanity and the natural world rather than social deconstruction. Ultimately, the film does not engage with the diverse social hierarchies or identity-driven narratives necessary to improve its representation scores.

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Category Breakdown

Does Higher have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses entirely on a personal snowboarding journey and wilderness survival. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does Higher portray gender?

Fair

The film centers on the protagonist's personal development and physical expertise. It lacks evidence of challenging gender hierarchies or portraying specific gendered power imbalances.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Higher?

Minimal

The narrative is a focused, individualistic study of a specific athlete's progression. There is no indication of a diverse cast or racial representation.

How does Higher represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores themes of wilderness wisdom and survival. However, it lacks explicit critiques of Western structures or evidence of religious institutional promotion.

Does Higher include disability representation?

Minimal

The story highlights the physical rigors of hiking and snowboarding. There is no mention of individuals navigating visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Explores deep themes of experiential knowledge and generational wisdom regarding the natural world.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of diverse racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ identities.
Provides no visibility for characters navigating disabilities or neurodivergence.
Fails to engage with broader social or cultural critiques beyond individual survival.

Official Synopsis

Higher traces Jones’ snowboarding journey from hiking Cape Cod’s Jailhouse Hill as a child to accumulating several generations’ worth of wisdom and expertise about thriving and surviving in the winter wilderness.

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