‘Exclusive Heightened Trailer Sets Release Date for Dramatic Comedy’
“Freestyle Digital Media will release Heightened on North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms on October 1, 2024. It will be released on DVD on the same date.
‘An award-winning film festival favorite, Heightened tells the story of Nora, an anxious young woman who suffers a mental breakdown mid-Bar exam and returns home to Maine to live with her emotionally distant parents’…”
‘A Riveting Tale of Resilience and Bonds’
“4.5 STARS… HEIGHTENED dares to explore the nooks and crannies of the human emotional expanse, magnifying mental health facets such as anxiety and borderline obsessive-compulsive disorder. It's raw honesty and directness break down the walls separating the cinematic world from our own, spotlighting the tumultuous ebb and flow of experiences surrounding mental health. Each frame of the film is a testament to Friedman's comprehensive understanding of mental health's many layers, granting HEIGHTENED an irresistible magnetism that lures viewers into its depths.”
‘Coming Attractions: Top 5 films from the 20th annual Vail Film Festival’
“Friedman does great work in her triple role, realistically capturing the struggles of relating to a world where everything feels uncomfortable. I saw a lot of myself in it and I know I won’t be the only one.”
“Heightened (2023)… 8.5 STARS”
“Nora just might be one of the most relatable characters that I have ever seen on screen. From the second viewers see her, until Heightened concludes, there is never a moment when I looked at her and struggled to see myself. This wasn’t a character that I was looking for, but I think that it’s the character that I needed to see…This character is brilliant, she’s the heart and soul of Heightened–and she’s so important to viewers…”
‘Heightened: The Importance of Connections’
“‘Heightened’ maintains a relaxed, dry-humored, yet engaging tone, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in Nora’s world. It prompts us to empathize with her experiences and reflect on the broader topic of how our society addresses (or doesn’t address) mental health. The film breaks down barriers, educates, and fosters understanding. It highlights the significance of human connections as constant anchors in our most trying times. By embracing mental health inclusion, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.”
‘Thriving with anxiety is a challenge in Sara Friedman’s HEIGHTENED’
“HEIGHTENED is a lovely little film that delves into the minds of those with constant anxiety. It nails the feelings, never daring to overstep the boundaries, instead respecting our differences. It celebrates finding a partner that accepts you as you are.”
‘EXCLUSIVE HEIGHTENED TRAILER PREVIEWS OCD AND SOCIAL ANXIETY-RIDDLED COMEDY’
“ComingSoon is excited to debut the Heightened trailer for the comedy movie that deals with obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety. It is written and directed by Sara Friedman, who also stars in the movie alongside Dave Register, Mike Mitchell, Xander Berkeley, and Sarah Clarke. It will make its world premiere during the 26th annual Dances With Films festival at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Friday, June 23.”
‘MAINER RETURNS HOME TO MAKE FILM SET IN A STATE PARK’
“With “Heightened” preparing for what Friedman calls “15 rapid days” of shooting, she and Register have assembled an impressive roster of partners. There’s Cut 4 Productions’ John Hermann and indie stalwart Tilted Windmill Productions (led by part-time Mainer Matt Ratner), whose combined commitment to indie filmmaking has brought forth compelling projects starring the likes of William Jackson Harper, Ben Schwartz, Aya Cash, Hannibal Buress, Sarah Silverman and Tig Notaro.”