CINEMA VIEWPOINT

Valentines day 2024 saw the release of a number of new romantic comedies/dramas. One of which was the Amazon Prime Video original film Upgraded. 

Synopsis

Upgraded follows Ana (Camila Mendes) as she is upgraded to first class on a work trip. On the plane she meets handsome Will (Archie Renaux), who mistakes Ana for her boss, Claire (Marisa Tomei). A white lie then sets off a fabulous chain of events, romance and opportunity. Until her complicated lie threatens to surface.

The entire premise of this film is predicated on a lie, but as they say, the best lies often contain a kernel of truth. To claim that I didn’t enjoy the film would be disingenuous, yet there’s an element of truth to that sentiment. Before delving further, I should caution that spoilers lie ahead in our discussion. However, in a film like this—a blend of various genres, including Cinderella and The Devil Wears Prada—how much can I truly spoil?

Rushed ending

Let’s dive into what, in my opinion, stands as the second biggest downfall of this film. The entire premise being the first. The ending of this film feels extremely rushed. From Ana getting fired, to her sitting on a park bench “reflecting”. To confessing the truth, then miraculously getting not only rehired but promoted. Only to be dumped and then reconciled with a six-month time jump. I’ve essentially summarised the ending in just six sentences. It feels as though the filmmakers suddenly realised the runtime is only 1 hour & 44 minutes, credits included. Which forced them to tie up every loose end in the last 20 minutes. I struggle to comprehend why the film couldn’t have extended by an extra 15 minutes, allowing the character to face consequences for her actions and providing her with a moment of inward reflection on her choices.

Is lying ok now?

Now, I understand that labelling this entire film as predicated on a lie might ruffle some feathers, but hear me out. From the outset, Ana and Will’s relationship is built on deception. Ana’s connection with Will’s mother? Another falsehood. Will’s mother’s enigmatic friend? Living a deceptive life. Ana’s sister? Not exactly forthcoming with the truth. Even the other two assistants? Putting on a facade of toughness while crumbling under Claire’s pressure. And while I adore her, Marisa Tomei’s accent we all know isn’t real. Even the small details, like Ana claiming she’s broke before proceeding to get drunk at a bar, leaves me scratching my head—a troupe of films I’ll never quite grasp. I know, it’s a minor nitpick, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.

The lies we tell ourselvs

With that little rant out of the way, I must say that one of the film’s standout qualities was Ana’s deception. As she grappled with the realisation that her initial lie stemmed from her own insecurities, and her subsequent journey to authenticity, the film took on a deeper resonance for me. It transcended being merely a charming romance released on Valentine’s Day, delving into themes of identity and self-discovery.

Great performances throughout

Throughout the film, Camila Mendes does a fantastic job of infusing those themes of identity and self-discovery alongside her character’s bubbly and aesthete personality. She proves that she’s more than just the girl from Riverdale, firmly establishing herself as a leading lady. Similarly, Archie Renaux steps out of The Fold (Shadow and Bone reference) and into the spotlight, showcasing his acting chops brilliantly. He effortlessly portrays the complexities of his character while maintaining his trademark charm, with a little help from his British accent. The rest of the cast delivers stellar performances as well, from Marisa Tomei and Lena Olin to Anthony Head and even comedian Andrew Schultz, who brings the laughs as expected.

To conclude, once you get past the fact that a lie is what sets the foundation of this film—contrary to what we teach kids from an early age—Amazon Prime’s original Valentine’s Day romance movie, “Upgraded” (that was a mouthful), offers a cute and charming romance with underlying themes of identity and self-discovery. The film is well-acted across the board, with smart and witty dialogue that adds depth to the characters. While I wish the film were 20 minutes longer, “Upgraded” is still worth a watch, especially during the Valentine’s season.