High Art 1998

Sydney, affectionately known as ‘Syd’ (Radha Mitchell), is a determined 24-year-old navigating life in New York City, with a clear vision of her future mapped out. Currently, she shares an apartment with her long-term boyfriend, James, and is making notable strides at ‘Frame’, a prestigious high-art photography magazine. While Syd seems to juggle her desires and frustrations in a relatable manner, her life takes an unexpected turn when a leak from her bathroom ceiling forces her to confront her upstairs neighbor about the issue.

This fateful encounter introduces Syd to the mystique of Lucy Berliner (Ally Sheedy), a once-celebrated photographer who now lives a reclusive life with Greta (Patricia Clarkson), her captivating yet troubled former model girlfriend. As Syd steps into Lucy’s world—characterized by its allure and chaos—her own life begins to intersect with Lucy’s extraordinary yet challenging existence.

Initially unaware of Lucy’s storied past, Syd mentions her to her bosses, who show little interest until they grasp Lucy’s celebrity. Seizing the moment, Syd coordinates a meeting between Lucy and her employers at a local diner frequented by Lucy. To her surprise, Lucy agrees to contribute to the magazine on the condition that Syd serves as her editor. This professional partnership soon evolves into something more intimate, as the boundaries between their collaboration and burgeoning attraction begin to blur.

As their relationship deepens, Syd confronts the harsh realities lurking just beneath Lucy’s glamorous facade. In tandem, a subplot emerges involving Lucy’s tumultuous relationship with her estranged mother, Vera, whose own struggles with addiction and disapproval cast a shadow on Lucy’s life. Vera’s dismissive attitude towards Lucy’s sexual orientation complicates their already strained bond.

With time, James grows increasingly possessive over Syd, sensing a change in her loyalty as her bond with Lucy intensifies. Meanwhile, Greta’s jealousy surfaces when she realizes Lucy’s involvement with Syd. After a harrowing incident where Greta nearly succumbs to an overdose at one of Lucy’s parties, Lucy urges her to get clean. However, the chasm between Lucy and Greta widens, leading to Greta’s decision to leave.

In pursuit of creative inspiration, Lucy invites Syd to spend a weekend at her parents’ country house. When James learns of this trip, he demands that Syd choose between him or Lucy, claiming that their relationship will end if she goes. Syd opts to accompany Lucy, embarking on a transformative road trip that leads to an emotional culmination of their feelings as they share a night together at the country house, sealing their mutual attraction.

Upon returning to New York, Syd is met with a stark reality—James has moved out, and similarly, Lucy finds Greta gone. Lucy seeks to showcase new photographs of parties, as well as intimate shots of Syd, in a pivotal magazine cover for ‘Frame’. In a moment of desperation, Syd presents Lucy’s photos to her employers, but they express their dissatisfaction, prompting Syd to reveal her and Lucy’s romantic relationship.

Complications arise when Greta reenters the picture, attempting to rekindle her bond with Lucy while encouraging one last drug-infused escapade. The following morning, tragedy strikes as Syd learns of Lucy’s untimely death from an overdose. Brought to a crossroads by grief and a whirlwind of emotions, Syd struggles to find closure.

In the film’s haunting conclusion, Syd returns to the ‘Frame’ office, discovering that Lucy’s photographs of their intimate moments are featured in the latest issue. While her colleagues commend her work, Syd is left shaken, unable to reconcile her feelings and the impact of their brief yet intense relationship, ultimately choosing to step away from the chaos of her surroundings.