Lin-Manuel Miranda created In the Heights after he lived in the Washington Heights neighborhood where the musical-turned-movie is set, so is it based on a true story? Best known for Hamilton, the Broadway production that's evolved into a pop culture phenomenon, Miranda first wrote In the Heights while he was in college. The musical debuted on Broadway in March 2008 and earned four Tony Awards that same year. While it isn't as popular as Hamilton thus far, In the Heights is now a major motion picture in theaters and available for streaming on HBO Max.
Miranda's minor role in the film as a street vendor is a treat for fans, but the starring cast members shine through telling the story of a tight-knit group of neighbors in New York City's Washington Heights district. At the heart of it all is Usnavi de la Vega (Anthony Ramos), a bodega owner who dreams of returning to his home in the Dominican Republic. Within his sphere are his love interest Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), his best friend Benny (Corey Hawkins), his neighbor Nina (Leslie Grace), and his mentor "Abuela" Claudia (Olga Merediz). In the Heights is directed by Jon M. Chu and follows the screenplay from Quiara Alegría Hudes.
While Miranda drew on some real-life experiences for inspiration, In the Heights and its characters are not based on a true story. Hamilton, by contrast, featured the real-life Founding Father and other prominent figures from U.S. history, but that isn't the case for this musical. Instead, Miranda looked to his childhood and experiences he had witnessed while growing up. He was raised in New York City's Inwood neighborhood that borders on Washington Heights. As someone of Puerto Rican descent who had an interest in the performing arts, Miranda didn't see a lot of opportunities available to him or to others in Latin American communities. “I started writing In the Heights because I didn’t see a way forward for myself as a Latino who wanted to be in musical theater," Miranda told NBC News. "I didn’t see our stories being told so I wrote what was missing."
Miranda didn't write the stories of Usnavi and the rest of the gang based on real-life individuals, but In the Heights feels like it could be inspired by a true story because of its authenticity. Because Miranda and Hudes both lived within the Washington Heights area at some point, each detail of the vibrant community represented on the big screen feels intentional. The characters share experiences with their creators, who both did extensive research prior to the film, but also with many of the actors and actresses who portray them. Melissa Barrera can relate to Vanessa because both of them had a dream to move out of their neighborhoods and pursue something creative (via The Cinemaholic). Despite being fictional, In the Heights is a genuine form of storytelling with characters who seem as real as off-screen people.
In addition, In the Heights' changes and newer modern-day references contribute to that authenticity. The issue of gentrification is alluded to throughout the film, and the adapted script includes references to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy. Nina's experiences as a college student are a little different as college acceptance and financial aid look differently now than they did when the script was first written. But through its changes, In the Heights still remains a celebration of dreams, belonging, and community.