The Upside- A review by Megan Nun

Drama-comedy, 2hr 6min

In this heartfelt drama, millionaire quadriplegic Phillip, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, is seeking a live-in caretaker to assist in his daily needs. While many apt candidates present themselves for interviews, Dell, played by Kevin Hart, surfaces as a man on parole with no desire. His attitude runs him the risk of being written off by many, and while being told he may no longer see his son, he is given the opportunity of being Phillip’s carer. Thrown into a whole new world, Dell and Phillip together face adventures of love, loss, and life. Rediscovering what fuels them, and fostering a bond that grows throughout the film, the two’s friendship becomes the spark that both were missing.

Neil Burger is an acclaimed American director, with a trail of such works as Limitless (2011), Divergent (2014), and “Interview with the Assassin” (2002). While having produced and directed many films, his presentation of the film, “The Upside”, resounds as a light amongst the others. Having a history of action and drama, primarily fiction, the step to a “based on a true story” film with comedic relief, shows the director’s range of commendable productions.

While the original French film, The Intouchables, was released in 2012 to many accolades, its American adaptation is presented at a pivotal point in time. Relevant to today when there is a clamor of discussions surrounding African American’s treatment in society, it builds around opportunity and inequality, demonstrating a perceptive take of one man’s experience. We also continue to see a change of understanding towards people with disabilities to re-evaluate a positive, ability focus in our advancing society. A culture of differences is strained when communication and the ability to see from the other’s perspective are not utilized. This movie exemplifies a number of acts of respect that build the individual’s relationships, showing the changing environment around them, and how we are not only molded by our lives, but we mold the lives we live.

The choice of cast was an interesting pair, and in the opening scenes there is some question as to whether the film will be overpowered by drama or comedy. Yet, the balance was well maintained with comedic relief coming at integral parts and giving a sense of life to the “shades-drawn” sense of the serious moments. With an accompanying soundtrack that allows the viewer to immerse themselves into the experiences of the characters and vivid filming of backgrounds from dim urban streets to breathtaking sunset kissed mountains, the quality of the sensory input is impeccable. When the story resolves to the final scenes, a sense of relief is enjoyed, yet after the credits roll and the film ends, you are left with an emptiness as to whether there was a true conclusion to the trip the viewer just went on. It almost occurs as if the climax is experienced as the resolution to the timeline, but a definite sense of ending is not felt. The statements that occur at the finale regarding the character’s future post-film are helpful in determining that conclusion which may have felt missing in the initial visual ending. Overall, the film is worth the time spent to take it in and leaves a sense of inspiration to those who view it.