SXSW 25' Your Higher Self : A Deep Dive into the Coaching Phenomenon - documentary review

Annie St-Pierre’s Your Higher Self takes a deep dive into the transformative world of coaching.

Humans have an innate curiosity and a relentless drive for self-improvement. Whether it’s seeking vitality, clarity, or a sense of purpose, many turn to coaches for guidance. In Your Higher Self, filmmaker Annie St-Pierre presents a fascinating and nuanced exploration of the coaching industry, showcasing the wide spectrum of philosophies and methodologies that fuel it. Some coaches focus on life optimization, while others lead within the kink community. The film, which premiered at SXSW, offers a smart and layered look at how coaching impacts different aspects of human behavior, ambition, and transformation.

Watching Your Higher Self felt personal to me, as I, too, work as a coach. When I’m not deep in indie horror, I’m waking up before dawn and returning home after dark, striving to push people beyond their perceived limits. Coaching, as St-Pierre highlights, is more than just mentoring—it’s about connection, trust, and, at times, an almost spiritual guidance. Even breathwork coaches—often ridiculed by skeptics—are shown to have a profound impact on their clients. The film illustrates how coaches can become larger-than-life figures in their clients’ journeys, whether they’re providing fitness instruction, psychedelic therapy, or life coaching. It reminded me of the rise of self-improvement figures like Tim Ferriss and the way social media and technology have given these industries even greater reach.

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of Your Higher Self is the noticeable demographic divide within the film. The lack of diversity in the clientele is striking, raising questions about accessibility and privilege in the coaching space. Why do these self-improvement avenues seem to cater primarily to the privileged? There are deep-rooted social and economic layers here that could be explored further, but the film ultimately circles back to how the coaching industry resonates on an individual level.

From psychedelics to personal training, yoga to dominatrix-led empowerment, Your Higher Self makes one thing clear—humans crave guidance. Whether it’s the pursuit of self-betterment or the desire for validation, there’s an entire industry built on our longing to be on the “right path.” But is this guidance genuinely helpful, or is it exploitative? That’s the question that lingers. St-Pierre’s documentary forces us to reconsider our perception of coaching, showing that these practices are no more niche or taboo than religion and its role in offering direction.

At its core, Your Higher Self is a reflection of the human spirit and the people who dedicate themselves to helping others unlock their potential. Whether you’re someone who has sought coaching or someone who has dismissed it, this documentary challenges you to rethink the power of mentorship, discipline, and self-discovery.

4.5/5

Director Annie St-Pierre