Upgraded is a feel-good transatlantic Rom-Com film. It is about a chance encounter between a rich young man from the UK and a moneyless young woman from the USA.
Interestingly, the accidental meeting takes place when Ana (Camila Mendes) gets upgraded to first class and gets a seat next to Will (Archie Renaux) on a trans-Atlantic flight. Perhaps, it is a modern adaptation of the popular European folktale Cinderella, with a usual twist. The basic theme is about the poor girl meeting the rich boy and then falling in love.
Synopsis of the Upgraded (2024) Movie
Ana (Camila Mendes) is an ambitious intern dreaming of a career in the art world while trying to impress her demanding boss Claire (Marisa Tomei). When she’s upgraded to first class on a work trip, she meets handsome Will (Archie Renaux), who mistakes Ana for her boss–a white lie that sets off a glamorous chain of events, romance and opportunity, until her fib threatens to surface.
Trailer of the Upgraded (2024) Movie
Spoiler Free Review of the Upgraded (2024) Movie
The introduction
When Ana gets a seat upgraded to the first class, she starts weaving a whole bunch of lies about her professional status. Maybe, unconsciously, she wanted to impress the (Prince) William (Will), who was sitting just next to her on that long flight from New York to London. But then, even after landing in London, Ana keeps on lying to Will and his family. Just like Cinderella, the dishonesty of Ana was innocent. So, what happens in the end when she is caught lying?
The basic theme of sisterhood
Although some female characters are depicted as mean and selfish, the key women characters believe in sisterhood. These women have a strong feeling of friendship and support for each other. So, we see a Flight booking person upgrading Ana’s (Camila Mendes) seat to First class and kick-starting a new phase in her life. Other women characters like Claire DuPont (Marisa Tomei), Catherine Laroche (Lena Olin), Vivian (Aimee Carrero), Amy (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), etc. are helpful towards Ana. So, in quite a few instances, we find that women are helping each other out, whenever a need arises.
But, what happens when the truth catches up with Ana?
Given the favourable circumstances, Ana flies very high with the active assistance of her lies. Not only, she mixes with the wealthy and influential people in London, but she also becomes a part of their charmed circle. However, for how long can Ana fly high with her dishonesty? So, when the truth bomb hits, her feet hit the ground in that rough landing. Her lies get exposed, and she has to come clean.
To be honest, we understand and appreciate her explanation for her lies and deceits in the film. Honesty is the best policy, yet many people (like politicians) lie regularly to get ahead.
In a way, it was Ana’s journey of self-discovery. So, she took a chance on her life.
Did she manage to upgrade her personal life and professional career? Did everything get upgraded for her? Well, we are not answering those. Should we? Of course not.
The conclusion
Backed by a talented group of ensemble cast, this is a light-hearted rom-com film. It has good music and fun comic scenes. We enjoyed this sweet and funny time pass film.
Ratings of the Upgraded (2024) Movie
| FM Rating | 3.50/5 |
| FM Short Comments | It is a good old-fashioned rom-com with a fairly predictable storyline. But, we liked the way, they have adapted it to the contemporary milieu. We liked the cast of wonderful comic talent, but it seems most of them have limited screen presence. Except for Camila Mendes, Archie Renaux, Marisa Tomei and Lena Olin; their charming acts made it an entertaining film. |
Poster of the Upgraded (2024) Movie
Key Details about the Upgraded (2024) Movie
| Genre | Comedy, Romance |
| Original language | English (UK & USA) |
| Released | February 9, 2024 |
| Duration | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Writers | Christine Lenig, Justin Matthews, Luke Spencer Roberts |
| Director | Carlson Young |
| Cast | Camila Mendes (Ana), Archie Renaux (William/Will), Marisa Tomei (Claire Dupree), Lena Olin (Catherine Laroche), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Amy), Fola Evans-Akingbola (Renee), Rachel Matthews (Suzette), Anthony Head (Julian Marx), Grégory Montel (Gerard Abel), etc. |
| Network | Prime Video |
Featured Image and poster of the Upgraded (2024) Film are courtesy of Prime Video.