The Upside
dir. Neil Burger · 2019
Feature
Found Family
Mood
Uplifting / Comedic
Look
warm, urban realism with intimate close-ups
Structure
character-driven with episodic interactions
Plot
Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom.
Why watch
"The Upside" is a heartwarming exploration of friendship that transcends social barriers, blending humor and poignant moments to create an uplifting narrative about connection and redemption. This film invites viewers to reflect on the transformative power of unlikely relationships.
Cultural context
class disparity in urban settingsthe American dream and its challengesthe role of caregiving in society