Summary
Lighthearted and likable, Upgraded makes for an easy, enjoyable watch this Valentine’s season. Think Cinderella meets The Devil Wears Prada, and throw in some art.
Camila Mendes takes flight in this easy, enjoyable romantic chick flick. It’s the season of love, which means it’s time for cheesy meet-cutes, big gestures, and a whole lot of chemistry. Rom-coms are a delightful genre in cinema as they are unchallenging and give their audience a sense of hope — especially in this cynical day and age of dating. Directed by Carlson Young, Upgraded (2024) joins Prime Video‘s list of original romantic films and is one to watch this Valentine’s.
Upgraded includes the commonly used twist of mistaken identity, as we follow Ana (Camila Mendes) who is an ambitious intern — overworked and underpaid — dreaming of a career in the art world who is constantly trying to impress her demanding boss Claire (Marisa Tomei). Think Miranda Priestley but with a bob and a bad French accent. When Ana is upgraded to first class on a work trip she meets handsome Will (Archie Renaux) and sparks fly.
The twist: William thinks Ana is the head of an art company, and as their romance progresses their lives become more entangled. Ana has to work hard to hide her real life from William, and her overbearing, powerful boss.
Like all romantic-comedy films, we watch as she struggles, waiting for the dramatic moment her life comes crashing down, and her plan to put it back together.
The storyline follows a romantic rags to riches and feels fresh in its content. London isn’t exactly the city of love, but it does work as a place for art and drama to be combined. And perfect background shots for a kissing montage. I am getting a little sick of the nightclub dance scenes in modern rom-coms, though. Isn’t there any other way to show sexual tension anymore?
You can see where the storyline is loosely based around Cinderella’s transformation, with a fairy godmother and evil stepsisters included.
Upgraded does drag a little in the middle as the film finds a balance between being about Ana’s romance with Will and her career. There is an unexpected third-act twist that focuses on a feminist mantra of women supporting other women. And whilst this is uplifting to watch, the romance with Will falls secondary and thus makes the film feel disjointed.
The conflict is sweet, and not as serious or devastating as it could have been — all that will happen is Ana might have to move back to Tampa if she doesn’t make money as New York is expensive. It’s not the worst and you can definitely find solutions to this. When it is London, the conflict is she’ll get fired, and then move back home… It’s all simple and easily overcome.
Claire’s character isn’t as scary or threatening — she’s very glamorous and then goofy. However, this goofy wasn’t funny either, like an overplayed stereotype of a dramatic, high-end boss, so she didn’t command her scenes. Her assistants, though, are excellent and brought the bitchiness needed.
Camila is a talented actress and has undeniable chemistry with her co-stars and great comedic timing. Each actor plays a great part, especially her brother-in-law and best friends. These quirky characters make films like this have a special edge.
Upgraded is a transformative journey, which sometimes has stereotypical situations but they are a reachable reality, all of which make a moving and endearing film about holding on to your dreams and being true to yourself.
With an appropriate runtime, relatable characters, and a satisfying story this film is certainly a rom-com you will want to watch over and over again.
What did you think of Upgraded (2024)? Comment below.
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