High Life (2009)
A darkly funny Canadian crime comedy set in 1983, where a junkie and his sleazy ex-cellmate hatch a plan to rob a brand-new ATM.
High Life - Movie Information
- Original Title: High Life
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Gary Yates
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 7, 2009 (United States), June 29, 2011 (Germany - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Все или ничего (RU), High Life - Vier Gangster und ein todsicheres Ding (DE)
- Production Countries: Canada
High Life - Plot
It's 1983, and hopeless junkie Dick gets an unwelcome visit from the past - his seriously sleazy former cellmate, Bug, to be precise. Bug requires a crash course in the 80s: different music, different drugs, and machines in walls that dispense money. The latter development gives Dick an idea.
High Life - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold:
Where to Watch High Life
Looking for where to watch High Life?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
High Life - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gary Yates
Main Cast
- Timothy Olyphant
- Stephen Eric McIntyre
- Rossif Sutherland
- Joe Anderson
- Mike Bell
- Jon Ted Wynne
- Steven Ratzlaff
- Mark McKinney
- Kelly Wolfman
- Turk Scatliff
Writers
- Lee MacDougall
- Gary Yates
High Life - FAQs
What is High Life (2009) about?
High Life is a darkly comic crime caper set in 1983 Calgary. Recovering junkie Dick gets an unwanted visit from his sleazy ex-cellmate Bug, who becomes obsessed with the newly invented ATM. Their plan to rob one sets off a chaotic, drug-fueled misadventure involving a ragtag crew of small-time criminals.
Is High Life based on a true story or play?
Yes — High Life is adapted from Lee MacDougall's acclaimed stage play of the same name, which ran successfully in Canada. MacDougall co-wrote the screenplay with director Gary Yates, keeping the story's sharp wit and period-specific flavour intact while opening it up for the screen.
Where can you stream or watch High Life (2009)?
You can watch High Life for free on Tubi TV (with ads) or through Hoopla at no cost. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube if you prefer a paid option.
Why does Timothy Olyphant's Dick want to rob an ATM?
Dick sees the ATM — a brand-new concept in 1983 — as an irresistible, almost magical money dispenser. Strapped for cash and surrounded by fellow addicts with equally desperate needs, he convinces himself that cracking one open is the perfect low-risk score. Of course, nothing goes remotely to plan.
Who are the main actors in High Life?
Timothy Olyphant leads the cast as Dick, with Stephen Eric McIntyre playing the memorably grimy Bug. Rossif Sutherland and Joe Anderson round out the core crew, while Mark McKinney adds comic support. It's a strong ensemble that leans into the film's scrappy, offbeat energy.
Is High Life (2009) worth watching?
If you enjoy darkly funny crime comedies in the vein of Trainspotting or A Fish Called Wanda, High Life is a fun, breezy watch. At just 80 minutes it never outstays its welcome, and Timothy Olyphant is genuinely charming as the hapless Dick. A solid hidden gem from Canada.
What is the setting and time period of High Life?
The film is set in Calgary, Canada in 1983. The early-80s backdrop is central to the story — the characters are navigating a world of new wave music, morphine habits, and the bewildering arrival of the ATM, which Bug treats as a kind of miraculous cash oracle.
What movies are similar to High Life (2009)?
Fans of High Life tend to enjoy Trainspotting, A Fish Called Wanda, Pulp Fiction, and Requiem for a Dream for their blend of crime, dark humour, and addiction themes. Another Day in Paradise and Palookaville also share that same scrappy, small-time criminal energy.
More About High Life
Explore further details about High Life on these authoritative resources.