As 2021 slowly finds its footing in navigating the pandemic, there appears to be no better time than now for a celebration of unity. Dropping a beautifully colourful trailer in the lead-up to its June release, In The Heights, from director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), promises an honouring of all Latinx culture in the Washington Heights neighbourhood of New York City.
Based on Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s Tony-nominated musical, In The Heights follows Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a bodega owner with big dreams living in the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. The slice-of-life musical, which unfolds over the course of three days, also features Corey Hawkins, Jimmy Smits, Melissa Barrera, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Dascha Polanco, and bachata pop singer Leslie Grace in her feature debut. Miranda, who originated the role of Usnavi on stage, will instead portray Piraguero, the owner of a small piragua stand.
Speaking of the film’s celebratory nature, Miranda likened the mentality to those of the essential workers who have proven to be the true heroes of the last 12 months; the film is “a love letter on the other side of 2020”. Barrera continued the sentiment, noting “The movie is the medicine we need during this time”.
In The Heights is scheduled for an Australian release on June 24th, 2021.
