Movie Reviews

‘Anne at 13,000 Feet’ review: Intimate look at mental illness and skydiving

Deragh Campbell shines.

September 3, 2021

Anne at 13,000 Feet is about a woman whose life has changed ever since she went skydiving. The socially awkward Anne (Deragh Campbell) found a sense of freedom and ease that she does not have in her everyday life. As Anne’s personal life becomes more of a struggle, she realizes one thing can make her feel better.

As a plot goes, that is the extent of it. Director Kazik Radwanski is not interested in delivering a movie filled with fast paced action or shocking twists. Anne at 13,000 Feet is all about the titular character. It is a high risk, high reward proposition. Either audiences will enjoy the film or they will not even give it a chance.

Much of the Anne at 13,000 Feet working depends on Campbell’s performance. The camera follows her around to an almost suffocating degree. Those watching will quickly become a part of Anne’s world. She is charming and fun, but there is also something a little off about her. Even when she feigns being okay (something that she is very good at) the audience can sense that something is wrong. It is Campbell’s magnificent acting that makes this possible.

While the story is sparse, it does drive home the points it wants to. Going skydiving has left Anne elated, but it also highlights the problems she is dealing with in her life. The people in Anne’s life are not so much there to help her through difficult times as they are content to put up with what she does. In total, it all makes Anne that much more empathetic.

Anne at 13,000 Feet is a surprisingly intense movie that is not as relaxing as it may seem. The audience does not just enter Anne’s life, they enter her mind. Deragh Campbells powerful performance is mesmerizing. It can be jarring at times, but it is an excellent watch.