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7.1 IMDb

43 Rotten Tomatoes

Where To Watch The Upside (2019)

The Upside is a heartfelt comedy-drama about an unlikely friendship between two men from completely different worlds. Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston) is a wealthy quadriplegic billionaire who lives in a luxurious New York penthouse but has become emotionally withdrawn after his accident. Dell Scott (Kevin Hart) is a recently paroled man struggling to rebuild his life, reconnect with his son Anthony (Jahi Di'Allo Winston), and find stability. When Dell unexpectedly gets hired as Phillip's caregiver, neither man initially expects the relationship to last. Dell's unconventional attitude and humor clash with Phillip's refined lifestyle, while Phillip gradually pushes Dell to take responsibility for his future. With the help of Yvonne Pendleton (Nicole Kidman), Phillip's dedicated executive assistant, and Dell's complicated family relationships, the two develop a genuine friendship that changes both of their lives.

Comedy Drama

Release Date: January 11, 2019
Director: Neil Burger
Genre: Comedy , Drama
Duration: 2 hours 6 minutes (126 minutes)
Language: English
Starring: Nicole Kidman — Yvonne Pendleton
Box Office: $125.86 million
Where To Watch: Hulu

More details about The Upside (2019) and where you can watch

The Upside is inspired by the real-life story portrayed in the French film The Intouchables (2011). The American adaptation keeps the central idea of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy man with quadriplegia and a man from a very different social background, but relocates the story and changes the characters for an American setting.

One interesting detail is the contrast between Kevin Hart’s comedic persona and the much more dramatic role of Dell. The film uses Dell’s humor as an important part of his relationship with Phillip rather than making the comedy separate from the emotional story. Bryan Cranston, meanwhile, brings a more restrained performance to Phillip, creating the central contrast between the two characters.

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Did You Know

The Upside is not an entirely original Hollywood story. It is an American adaptation of the acclaimed French film The Intouchables, which itself was inspired by the real-life relationship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver Abdel Sellou.