The High Note Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A superstar singer’s assistant tries to become a music producer while the singer tries to avoid becoming a Las Vegas has-been, but really it’s all about them finding out they’re basically a dysfunctional family through the magic of smooth jazz.

🍿 The High Note: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Maggie’s Aspirations

Maggie Sherwoode works as the overworked personal assistant to legendary singer Grace Davis. While managing Grace’s demanding schedule, Maggie secretly dreams of becoming a music producer. She spends her free time remixing Grace’s songs, showcasing her talent and ambition.

A Chance Encounter: David Cliff

Maggie meets aspiring musician David Cliff at a grocery store and is impressed by his talent. She impulsively lies about being a professional producer and offers to help him record an album. They begin working together, and Maggie coaches David through his initial nervousness in the studio. Their collaboration sparks a romance, complicating their professional relationship.

Grace’s Crossroads: New Album or Vegas Residency?

Grace faces pressure from her manager, Jack Robertson, to accept a lucrative Las Vegas residency. Jack believes that Grace’s time has passed and that she should focus on live performances instead of recording new material. Maggie encourages Grace to pursue her passion for creating new music, but Grace is hesitant due to the challenges faced by women of her age and race in the industry.

Maggie’s Mishap and Firing

Maggie secures Dan Deakins as an opening act, then quickly realizes David should have the chance. This leads her to ask David to sing at Grace’s album launch party, but he is upset when he discovers that Maggie misled him about her reasons for inviting him, leading him to leave in a huff and refuse to perform. Maggie subsequently faces Grace’s ire and gets fired.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Maggie Sherwoode (Dakota Johnson): Grace Davis’ ambitious personal assistant who dreams of becoming a music producer.
• Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross): A legendary R&B singer facing the crossroads of her career and grappling with industry ageism.
• Jack Robertson (Ice Cube): Grace Davis’ pragmatic manager who pushes her to take a lucrative Las Vegas residency.
• David Cliff (Kelvin Harrison Jr.): A talented but nervous aspiring musician who becomes romantically involved with Maggie.
• Max (Bill Pullman): Maggie’s supportive father and a radio DJ who encourages her musical pursuits.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Grace Davis: “People love nostalgia. They don’t necessarily love the music. They love the way the music makes them remember a time in their life.” – Grace explains why she is hesitant to record new music despite wanting to, acknowledging the appeal of nostalgia.
• Jack Robertson: “Maggie. Maggie! Come here. I don’t know what planet you come from where rattling off every little opinion that’s rolling around in that brain of yours is considered a skill.” – Jack expressing his frustration with Maggie’s unsolicited opinions and ambition.
• Grace Davis: “There’s safety in the familiar.” – Grace explains her reasoning to take the Las Vegas Residency despite wanting to record new music.
• Grace Davis: “I’ve never had a female producer before, but I want you to be the first.” – Grace offers Maggie a chance to produce her new album, acknowledging Maggie’s talent and potential.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30 million
• Domestic Gross: $5.2 million
• Worldwide Gross: $6.3 million

💥 The High Note Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed The High Note! It felt like a classic Hollywood movie with a modern twist. The music was great, and I loved watching Dakota Johnson’s character, Maggie, chase her dreams. It was inspiring and fun. I especially liked the scenes where Maggie and David were working on music together – you could really feel the passion. It’s definitely a feel-good movie, and I’d watch it again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in behind-the-scenes music industry stories”
  • “Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross fans”
  • “Those who enjoy feel-good movies with a touch of romance”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements related to career challenges and personal relationships”

Professional Reviews

• Empire – Movies: “While predictable, The High Note features strong performances, especially from Tracee Ellis Ross, and some genuinely catchy tunes that make it an enjoyable, feel-good movie experience. The focus on female empowerment and challenging industry norms is a refreshing angle.
• The Wrap: “The High Note champions the underdog and celebrates the power of collaboration. Tracee Ellis Ross is perfectly cast, it is a heartfelt story about pursuing your dreams despite the obstacles. It’s a feel-good movie that’s hard not to enjoy.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the feel-good vibes and inspiring story of chasing your dreams.: Many appreciated the positive messages and the focus on female empowerment within the music industry.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good movie with a predictable but enjoyable plot, elevated by strong performances and inspiring themes of chasing dreams and female empowerment.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s soundtrack features original songs performed by Tracee Ellis Ross, marking her first time singing on screen.”
• “Flora Greeson, the screenwriter, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a personal assistant in the music industry.”
• “The Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles was used as a filming location, adding to the authenticity of the music industry setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch The High Note?

The High Note is available to rent or purchase on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. You might also find it on demand through your cable provider.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The High Note, you might like these similar films:

• The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Both films center on a young woman navigating the challenging world of a demanding and influential boss while pursuing her own career aspirations.
• A Star Is Born (2018): Explores the dynamic between a seasoned performer and an up-and-coming artist, highlighting themes of mentorship, creative collaboration, and personal sacrifice within the music industry.
• Begin Again (2013): Features a music executive who helps a young singer-songwriter produce her first album. The movies have music in common.

🛒 The High Note Related Products

• The High Note (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): The official soundtrack featuring original songs performed by Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson. Perfect for reliving your favorite moments from the movie.
• Tracee Ellis Ross ‘Love Myself’ T-Shirt: A stylish T-shirt featuring the title of Tracee Ellis Ross’s hit song from the movie, ‘Love Myself’. Show your support for Grace Davis and her music!
• Music Production Software (Inspired by Maggie): Get inspired by Maggie’s producing skills and create your own music with this intuitive and powerful software. Perfect for aspiring producers.
• Grace Davis Concert Poster: A high-quality reproduction of a Grace Davis concert poster. A must-have for any true fan of the legendary singer.

🎧 Soundtrack

The High Note features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Love Myself” – performed by Tracee Ellis Ross
• “Stop for a Minute” – performed by Tracee Ellis Ross
• “Track 8” – performed by Dakota Johnson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The High Note | Dakota Johnson Sings “They Don’t Love You Like I Do”

Wow, I didn’t know Dakota Johnson could sing like that! Check out this clip of her performing in The High Note – it really showcases her talent and the soulful vibe of the movie.

✨ Rate