Cast
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Katie Findlay
as Rory
James Sweeney
as Todd
Dana Drori
as Meg
James Scully
as Ryder
Joshua Diaz
as Zane
Tracie Thoms
as Dr. Larson
Betsy Brandt
as Topanga
Randall Park
as Wallace
Brendan Scannell
as Jerry
Ken Kirby
as Craig
Grace Song
as Hilary
Hillary Anne Matthews
as Nicole
Logan Huffman
as Darien
Omar Guazzelli
as Guy
Alexis Beckley
as Kayla
Crew
Director
- James Sweeney
Writer
- James Sweeney
Producer
- David Carrico
- Ross Putman
- James Sweeney
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Straight Up represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director James Sweeney 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Straight Up took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Straight Up shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Clément, Alex, and Everyone Else, which focuses more on action than character development, Straight Up subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Boat Trip and Clueless explore similar territory, Straight Up stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: February 28, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Revenue: $16,080
Where to Watch
