Cast
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Kevin Hart
as Dell Scott
Bryan Cranston
as Phillip Lacasse
Nicole Kidman
as Yvonne Pendleton
Golshifteh Farahani
as Maggie
Aja Naomi King
as Latrice
Tate Donovan
as Carter Locke
Jahi Di'Allo Winston
as Anthony Scott
Genevieve Angelson
as Jenny Lacasse
Suzanne Savoy
as Charlotte
Julianna Margulies
as Lily Foley
Rachel Alana Handler
as Proctor
Junnie Lopez
as Restaurant Employee
Pia Mechler
as Art Dealer
Amara Karan
as
Ursula Triplett
as Caterer
Crew
Director
- Neil Burger
Producer
- Todd Black
- Jason Blumenthal
- Nick Greece
- Steve Tisch
Reviews
rsanek
Not bad, though I was expecting more from this acting duo.
Jan 20, 2023
angkipedia
When Hart name had come up, I thought it was a comedy movie. But it a great movie!! THB this movie has quite an emotional for me.
9/10 for score.
Mar 10, 2025
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Upside examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Neil Burger brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Upside took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $37.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 126 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 175 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2420 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Upside shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Miss Julie, which focuses more on action than character development, The Upside subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Gilli and The Dark Horse explore similar territory, The Upside stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 10, 2019
- Runtime: 2h 6m
- Budget: $37,500,000
- Revenue: $125,000,000
Where to Watch
