The new Netflix film Jumping from High Places is a story of coping and overcoming anxiety. With the general premise of noting down your fears and acting upon them. It stars Federica Torchetti in the lead role, with a supporting cast of Cristiano Caccamo, Celeste Savino and Lorenzo Richelmy.
The film is directed by Andrea Jublin and is based on the novel by Chiara Parenti.
– Jumping from High Places Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
The protagonist of the film, Sole Santoro, is living with a generalized anxiety disorder and will soon be 25 years old. She often breaks the fourth wall and describes her mundane life against the backdrop of a mesmerizing city.
She once had a friend who helped her cope with the severe anxiety, but like all good things, it came to an end. Her friend Emma, found the love of her life and moved away to Paris. And Soon after, she died in a car accident.
Ultimately, Sole is left to deal with her fear and anxiety alone until she finds the last letter that Emma wrote to her. This letter prompts Sole to compile a list of her fears and eventually overcome them. Even though she has little to no belief about the daredevil bucket list of her life, she embarks on the journey anyway.
The film is a deep-rooted take on anxiety and how it takes a toll on a person’s life. The visual representation of the disorder, through mocking children (drawing scenes) and rude table customers on the first day of her job, gives you a first-person view of the intensive nature of anxiety.
The story is told in a non-linear way with scenes that switch back and forth from Sole’s life during the first half. Thereby making the narration like her recurring fears, that she has to tackle.
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The occasional chirpy tracks, layered with the breathtaking scenery, are one of the stand-out points of the film. It’s so magnetic at times that you might end up googling for similar travel locations.
However, the scenic background also serves as the distinction between Sole and her anxiety. The difference between her state of mind, and the heartwarming Italian scenery, can be observed as a contrasting depiction. This is almost saying that anxiety is not confined to just places but to memories.
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Jumping from High Places has a fleabag-like feel of the protagonist, but the treatment lacks conviction. There are many scenes that feel rushed and almost plain. Especially the scenes with Sole’s mother, which are stereotypical and repetitive.
The film tries hard to connect the dots, but the compact screenplay prevents the subject matter from attaining emotional maturity. Therefore, leading into another abyss of average adaptations.
The quick turnaround of events does not do justice to Federica Torchetti’s performance, and you can’t help but feel the need for an extended running time. The rest of the cast fits well in their short-lived spaces.
Jumping from High Places Final Thoughts
Although the film feels a little short on the element of conviction, it can make up for a decent one-time watch (if you are into the scenic backgrounds of Itlay). It can make you think about a travel plan, but nothing much apart from that.
You can watch Jumping from High Places on Netflix.
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