Synopsis
The forthcoming film Upgraded (2024) combines sharp humor and satire in a stylish rom-com that examines the allure of aspiration, the seduction of appearances, and the consequences of deception. Carlson Young directs the film which blends wit and romance with fashion, following the journey of a young woman whose ambitions lead her to a deceitful world of glamour that forces her to grapple with her true self.
Ana Santos is the leading character, portrayed effervescently by Camila Mendes. Ana is an industrious, bright, albeit under-appreciated intern at an art gallery, with skyscraper-level dreams of making a name for herself in the arts. She comes from a lower-middle-class background and has moved to New York City to relish in the milestones she hopes to achieve. She works several part-time jobs including one under a thankless boss, Claire Dupont. Claire is a domineering and frosty socialite in the art world, the type who never forgets slights or mistakes but is miserly when it comes to praises.
Ana’s life has been understated because of her invisibility struggles, considering that she operates in an industry which looks down upon her and is obsessed with status and luxury. But her luck changes when she suddenly gets offered an exclusive business trip to London alongside Claire. While the trip serves as Ana’s ticket to the world of high elites and sophisticated art, it also acts as a catalyst in defining the choices that will shape her life ahead.
Implusive as young girls may be, Ana was mistakenly assumed to be a rich heiress due to a first-class upgrade. Lo and behold, Ana decides to keep it that way and use the class misplacement to her career advantage. The imaginative take proves useful as soon after she comes into the spotlight of Claire’s circle and meets charming William who is described as an enigmatic, charming man.
A small inaccuracy morphs into something more outlandish. Ana’s character evolves amid elite social gatherings, lavish galas, exclusive art auctions, and high-stakes breaches of etiquette — all of which require her to pretend to be someone completely different from who she is. While her romance with William progresses, Ana keeps having to avoid telling the truth about her identity. The growing tension within her is a consequence of entwining lies.
The film features Ana’s inner struggle alongside the extreme negligence of her lifestyle. No self-respecting person would remain inactive while their life gets “upgraded” overnight to include high fashion, new-age social networking, and infamous parties. But feeling the pressure of which label one is allowed to wear is equally unnerving, and that’s where the notorious ‘imposter syndrome’ enters the frame. As much as Ana strives toward her goal at hand, she slowly comes to realize that no matter how many symbols of power one carries, it is their authenticity that speaks the loudest.
As Ana’s dual existence becomes increasingly difficult to juggle, signs of trouble begin to emerge. Claire, always the observant power player, becomes wary of Ana’s social elevation. Elsewhere, tension brews in Ana’s relationship with William as he begins to figure out there’s much more to her story than what she’s sharing. The turning point happens during one of the lavish London galas where Ana is faced with a life-changing decision — continue the facade and gamble everything on the lie ultimately surfacing, or tell the truth and accept her reality, no matter the repercussions.
In one of the film’s most emotionally gratifying scenes, Ana opts for truth instead of deception. She deals with the consequences of her actions after revealing her unfiltered background, but with astonishing self-assurance. Contrary to what most would expect, her bold move does not shatter her prospects; it earns her respect, even from Claire. William, too, appreciates the real Ana more than the identity she had been putting forth. The film ends on a high note as Ana establishes herself in the art world, smiling knowing she no longer needs to falsify her identity to achieve success.
Cast & Crew
The success of Upgraded lies in its eye-catching casting and the contagious enthusiasm of the ensemble.
Camila Mendes as Ana Santos: Mendes captivates as the ambitious and empathetic heroine. Her portrayal captures Ana’s excitement, fear and growth in a playful yet emotionally resonant manner. Mendes has the charm to carry the film and she does so seamlessly, making Ana’s journey believable and inspiring.
Archie Renaux as William: Renaux steps into the shoes of Ana’s romantic interest with effortless charm, portraying William as a blend of sophisticated and easy-going. The rapport he shares with Mendes is natural, and he adds dimension to a character who had the potential to be a bland love interest.
Marisa Tomei as Claire Dupont: Marisa Tomei brings to life the formidable art world mogul in a scene-stealing performance. With sharp wit and commanding presence, tomei’s portrayal of Claire adds depth to the typical “mean boss” stereotype. She is tough but also shows some softness, most notably when she starts seeing the value in Ana.
Lena Olin as Catherine: Lena Olin plays one of Claire’s influential associates in a supporting role. This was a part that adds further texture to the world of high art and high stakes.
Director: Carlson Young: After making her directorial debut with The Blazing World, Young brings her polished visual flair and meticulous pacing to Upgraded. She manages the romantic and comedical aspects of the film alongside cutting commentary on the need for authenticity in the face of ambition.
Christine Lenig, Justin Matthews, Luke Spencer Roberts: The screenplay is sharp with banter and flows seamlessly. The writers take a lighthearted and entertaining approach while addressing social mobility and personal integrity in a most incisive manner.
Kristen Correll: Correll’s cinematography captures the sharp contrast between Ana’s humble beginnings and the lavish lifestyle of the upper class. Her London scenes are some of the best with their glossy, aspirational touch, further enriching the film’s value.
John Debney: The score of this film increases its light-hearted and romantic feel. The soundtrack, along with the score, suits the glamorous backdrops of the film and accompanies Ana on her emotional journey.
Film Ratings
Upgraded is sitting at a slightly above average 5.6/10 IMDb rating. Audience and critic reception has been moderately positive, most praising the film’s charming performances and visual flair. Viewers in particular appreciate Camila Mendes’s performance, noting her charisma and timing as second nature.
Upon analyzing Upgraded, critics have generally noted it as a feel-good film with comedic value. They mention how the film plays on the trope of “mistaken identity” but in a more modernized manner. Viewers seem to have enjoyed the pacing and humor the film offered, however, some viewers noticed it didn’t stray away from genre tropes, and that is an area of concern for them. Regardless of the stylistic decisions, many viewers admired the electrifying style of the movie along with the message of empowerment through self-worth, a combination that wouldn’t have resonated with audiences wanting a sophisticated light-hearted escape.
Closing Remarks
Personally, I found the combination of modern teenage romance, entrepreneurship, and empowerment of self highly enjoyable in Upgraded (2024). With a mix of escapism and charm, the film offers up wonderous adventures in high society, paired with relatable self-doubt scenarios as well as the humble bravery of authenticity, all of which is captured superbly by Camila Mendes and Marisa Tomei’s strong performances.
Carlson Young’s direction delivers spectacular visuals, inviting us into a world that romantizes overnight successes, while expertly reminding the audience that true fulfillment lies beyond superficial self-identity. For those looking for a splash of class with modern rom coms, Upgraded is a must watch in the genre: proof that the most significant lifestyle upgrade one can make stems not from societal expectation, but from embracing oneself.
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