WARNING: Spoilers for In the Heights.
Why does In the Heights’ Usnavi decide to stay in Washington Heights? Anthony Ramos’ character initially dreams about returning to his native Dominican Republic but changes his mind while running a bodega in the uppermost part of Manhattan. By the end, Usnavi stays put in New York City, a decision that connects to the film’s themes about community, pride, and legacy.
In the Heights centers primarily on Usnavi, but he’s symbolic of the spirit that energizes the neighborhood. Ramos’ character reveals his appreciation and gratitude for the community Abuela, Claudia (Olga Merediz), and similarly treats long-time friends with respect, whether it’s Stanford student Nina Rosario (Leslie Grace), local pal Benny (Corey Hawkins), or the socially-conscious character Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV). During In the Heights, Usnavi dreams of an ideal life in the Dominican Republic, primarily because he’s emotionally invested in reviving his late father’s restaurant. When Abuela Claudia passes away and leaves a winning lottery ticket for Usnavi, though, his motivations unsurprisingly change, especially upon developing a blossoming romance with his neighborhood crush, Vanessa Morales (Melissa Barrera). Ramos’ character receives a happy ending, but some In the Heights viewers may be under the impression that he abandoned his life-long dream.
Usnavi stays in Washington Heights because his love for the community overpowers his nostalgia for the past. Importantly, various social circumstances transpire, which allows for an organic shift in his worldview during In the Heights. For example, when Claudia passes away, which is a devastating loss for Usnavi, the neighborhood bonds together to create positive change. Specifically, Nina steps up to unofficially become one of Washington Heights’ most influential female mentors, as she not only overcomes her feelings of disappointment after leaving Stanford but also commits herself to help the undocumented dreamer Sonny. Throughout In the Heights, Usnavi makes it clear that his grand plan involves uplifting the community, even if it’s by leaving and asking someone like Sonny to consider a life outside Manhattan. By In the Heights’ ending, everything comes together for Usnavi, with the character Vanessa functioning as the narrative wildcard. She takes a proactive approach with her fashion industry goals, which results in a heartfelt reunion with Ramos’ character and a life epiphany for both.
Aside from Usnavi’s loyalty to Washington Heights, he stays because of personal pride and practical reasons, too. If Vanessa had kept her distance and remained just a friend with Ramos’ character, then he presumably would’ve made plans to leave the neighborhood and make the best use of his winning $96,000 lottery ticket. However, Usnavi’s undeniable connection with Vanessa during In the Heights allows him to see the bigger picture, specifically a life in the barrio with his potential wife. With the neighborhood taking a turn for the better, Usnavi wisely processes new information in order to form a revised opinion about the present. He wants to pay homage to his late father by reviving his business in the Dominican Republic, but he needs to be with Vanessa and near his beloved extended family in Washington Heights.
Usnavi’s appreciation for the concept of legacy keeps him firmly rooted in Washington Heights. The community keeps Ramos’ character motivated, and Vanessa ensures that he’s optimistic about the future. Incidentally, Usnavi can step back and properly assess his life goals. Once upon a time, he wanted to secure a legacy by moving back to the Dominican Republic and running his father’s business. Ultimately, though, Ramos’ In the Heights character realizes that he can honor his blood family and extended family by staying true to himself. Usnavi may never be a wealthy man in the traditional sense, but he knows that he’s living a rich life, one that benefits the community at large.
