Like the original, The Upside roots itself in the story of an unlikely friendship. A wealthy businessman who happens to be quadriplegic hires an unemployed man with a criminal record to help him through his daily life. Judgement gives way to understanding and companionship in a heartwarming and uplifting tale.
It could be considered perfect material for an ever-looming awards season, but since a 2017 premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, news on The Upside has been relatively quiet. This comes as a surprise when you bill Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart and Nicole Kidman all in one place.
In The Upside, Bryan Cranston plays the part François Cluzet charmed the world with in 2011
Not dissimilar to Joaquin Phoenix in Don't Worry He Won't Get Far On Foot, this role presents a new challenge for Breaking Bad veteran Cranston to deliver a sturdy performance from a much less mobile facility. It's different ground for director Neil Burger too, as the high-octane thrills of Limitless and Divergent are now long gone.
It's refreshing to learn about such a story (loosely based on the life of existing billionaire Philippe Pozzo Di Borgo) with an optimistic and inspiring core, rather than just enduring a bleak condemnation of the injustice at play – which, considering the circumstances, wouldn't be too much of a surprise.
With an unlikely cast (Nicole Kidman is also in Boy Erased and Destroyer coming next year, filling an eclectic upcoming slate) but a reliably successful story, The Upside has all the right ingredients to succeed. Let's just hope it doesn't get lost in translation.
| What | The Upside, Untouchable remake, stars Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart |
| When |
11 Jan 19 – 11 Jan 20, TIMES VARY |
| Price | £ determined by cinemas |
| Website | Click here for more information |
