Upgrade (2018)

Probably "Upgrade" is not the best "Christmas movie", but I don't have a better subject. And, anyway, if we look a bit between the lines, I can say that it has a bit of "hope for a better tomorrow" coming from end-of-year blog entry ;)

If I'd have to classify this, "Upgrade" probably fits best in that category of SciFi that looks more or less indie, but is definitely outside the mainstream area, but you cannot label it as B-series either. I'm thinking here on stuff like "Dark City", "13th Floor", "Equilibrium", "Predestination". Having a very nice touch of cyberpunk. But let's cut short the lists and get into the story...

Somewhere in an augmented future, Grey is a former mechanic, nostalgic for the times when you actually needed to handle the car's wheel, who's now dealing with restoring cars for collectors while his wife, employee of a company dealing with electronic implants is the one who's actually bringing money in the house. One evening, following an accident in which their smart car strangely derails from pre-determined track reaching a not so safe area of the city, they get attacked by 4 thugs. The result, he's ending up on a bed, paralyzed from neck down, and she's not even making up to hospital. Which brings us to the moment of the offer. One of Grey's clients, owner of some "classic" cars, and also of another company specialized in implants, proposes Grey to become a lab rat for an ultra-advanced AI chip that could restore his movement capacity. There's a catch... we have to sign an NDA saying that the deal stays secret and with him still confined in the wheel chair for the public eye. The problem is that the guy is not really eager to move on with his life between his house walls, having as first item in his todo list: "avenge my wife". And another catch... the ultra-advanced AI has a voice of its own (literally and figuratively speaking). What's the perspective on a long happy life in this context - to check that in the movie.

The bad: Let's say that it could've been done better on the acting part, although that's not covering everybody. The main character, as well as the main villain are ok, but for the rest I think they could've used another take here and there. Besides that, there's a "cold feeling", which I can't define much better - something like not being able to empathize much with any character. It's something that I also felt in some of Nolan's movies, in particular in "Inception" (pretty much the sole negative aspect there). But anyway, it's a temporary feeling, which is somehow going away towards the end. Which brings us to...

The good: I didn't say by now that behind this movie is Leigh Whannell (script + directing), more known maybe for his collaboration with James Wan in "Saw" and "Insidious". Probably given the background/story style, that's where comes from the best part of the current movie - the ending. We have a twist coming there, but which you can see way in advance. And that leaves you a bit disappointed. For like 5-10 minute, until the real twist :) And as a cherry on top, we also have a (let's say) ultimate ending twist. That might leave you thinking on some existential questions like what's better - a fake life in comfort or a true life in pain - or, to get out of cliches, how could you end up somewhere in the middle? :). But since I don't have any answers and I don't want to give any spoilers, all I can say is: Happy Holidays! & and a better next year! ;)

Rating: 4 out of 5