Upgraded (2024) tells the story of Ana (Camila Mendes), a young intern who is unexpectedly bumped up to first class and seated next to William (Archie Reneaux), who believes Ana is the one who owns the art business, not her boss, Claire. Ana doesn’t correct Will and throws herself into a double life while navigating a foreign country. It’s a predictable rom-com with a predictable ending, but it’s a satisfying and uplifting conclusion that’ll be exactly what fans expect and want.
Ana’s meet-cute with Will is in the typical fashion of her bumping into him and spilling a drink all over him. He’s then seated next to her on the plane and after a few champagnes, Ana goes straight into lying about her career, with the idea and intentions that she’ll never see this handsome stranger again. But that is not the case as his mother is also an artist, with a specific pricey collection for sale. This auction is the one Ana and her boss are in London for. However, Ana, with her inspiring words, causes the auction to be pulled. Now it’s a witch hunt to find out who is responsible.
Ana has a near miss as Will meets her for lunch on the day his mother pulls her auction, which causes the first moment where Will and Ana break off their romance. Through photo evidence, Ana is caught out as being the one who spoke with Catherine and is the reason for pulling the auction. Here someone comes clean to Claire pretending to have her job and is thrown out of the company.
Ana is quick to apologize to Catherine and own up to her mistakes. Catherine is then quick to forgive… and together they waltz into Claire’s office Catherine gives Ana all the credit for her changing her mind and going ahead with the auction. Of course, the auction goes for hundreds of millions and Ana’s career is now in full swing and she can finally get off her sister’s couch.
How does Upgraded end?
In the last scenes of the film, Will has told Ana he’s not taking the job in New York, and they part ways.
Back in New York, Ana is running an art gallery and at an event, hopes that Will will attend. At the end, as Ana is clearing up she notices two small salt and pepper shakers (which she tried to steal at the beginning of the film) and Will comes through the door with his suitcase, and all is forgiven.
Together they embrace and as they close the door, there is the ugly circle painting of a swan from the beginning — a nice full-circle moment.
What’s the meaning behind Upgraded?
I have mixed feelings about the ending — it’s sweet and our protagonist gets everything she’s ever wanted. What did she learn? Not to lie? But lying got Ana everything she wanted — a career and a charming prince — and the “hard work” was her running around London dating a rich man and going to events. I think the message is not to give up on your dreams, to follow them, and do all it takes to make them a reality.
As Ana does come clean and apologize for her mistakes, she does take accountability, but would she have if she wasn’t outed by Claire’s assistants? I enjoyed the film and the characters, but they’re as deep as a puddle, so this is a lighthearted film you can take with a pinch of salt.
How does Will find out about Ana’s double life?
Ana plays an art gallery owner very well, and as she keeps getting invited to events, it is only a matter of time before she’s at one with her boss and her secret identity is revealed (almost.)
However, there isn’t a specific scene or moment where Will finds out the truth, and this could have been a strong moment in the film. Instead, it’s Ana’s boss who finds out and fires her.
Will makes a small comment about hearing about her lies from his mother as he tells Ana he doesn’t like liars and wants nothing to do with her. I would have very much enjoyed a scene with more passion and conflict with a stronger resolution to drive the story and emotion.
Do Ana and Will end up together?
Of course, Anna and Will end up together at the end of Upgraded. After their small, fleeting romance, Ana has hope she might be able to win Will round like she was able to with his mother.
Before Ana leaves for New York she finds Will and apologises. Will has turned down the job in New York and bids her a gentle farewell.
Back in New York, Ana is running an art gallery and at an event, Will turns up and all is magically forgiven and they embrace, kissing as they close a door, so audiences know they’ve got their happily ever after.
What did you think of the ending of Upgraded (2024)? Comment below.
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