A comedic look at the relationship between a wealthy man with quadriplegia and an unemployed man with a criminal record who’s hired to help him.
“The Upside” reminds us that emotional and spiritual redemption remains possible despite past or even recurring lapses. Although ostensibly a comedy, the movie serves up pathos and humor in an agreeable mix. Impressive performances from a well-rounded cast elevate a storyline that might have faltered with lesser lights on display.
Kevin Hart – now probably best known for his on-again, off-again run at hosting this year’s Academy Awards – plays Dell, a paroled felon trying to keep from becoming another recidivism statistic. The film opens during a meeting with his parole officer asking for evidence of job searches. Without three credible signatures in the next twenty-four hours, Dell will find himself in front of a judge, facing a return to prison.
In response, Dell half-heartedly follows leads on low-level service industry jobs until he inadvertently interviews for a life auxiliary position with Phil (Bryan Cranston), a quadriplegic billionaire who has soured on life. Nicole Kidman appears as Yvonne, Phil’s business partner, friend and – most importantly – the gatekeeper who recoils at Dell’s rough-around-the-edges manner. Before, during and after the interview, she tries fervently to get rid of the troublesome Dell. Yet, the earlier condescending soliloquies by an earnest batch of hopefuls helps the audience understand why Phil would select Dell over the other more qualified – at least on paper – applicants.
Not surprisingly, the two men mix like oil and water. While Phil at first enjoys the unconventional – essentially by definition – approach that Dell takes regarding his caregiving duties, the billionaire is not above reproachful admonition.
Tragic though Phil’s life has been, Dell suffers through disappointments as well – albeit mostly of his own making. In one scene, when Phil is pouting about not wanting a birthday party or guests, Dell tries one-upmanship by bemoaning his difficulty maintaining a relationship with his young son. Behind steely, cold eyes, Phil replies caustically, “What’s wrong – are you lamenting that a single afternoon with your son doesn’t make up for all the years you abandoned him?”
Unquestionably, the film contains many both genuinely funny and poignant moments. Periodically, the narrative brushes perilously close to cliché but inevitably manages to steer clear enough to avoid the mush. The give-and-take between the two men – donning vastly different life experiences – provides the most interesting elements of the movie. Always as subtext, the juxtaposition of Phil’s lavish lifestyle set against the street-level existence of Dell remains on full display throughout.
Julianna Margulies delivers a brief yet pivotal role as Phil’s epistolic acquaintance. The nature of their relationship demonstrates the boundaries Phil erects – conscious or not – to protect himself from the pain of loss and regret once more.
Supporting cast members shine as well. Dell’s ex-wife, Latrice (Aja Naomi King) and his son Anthony (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) do a nice job reflecting back the anguish and disappointment they have endured. Alternatively, Suzanne Savoy as Phil’s chef and Golshifteh Farahani as the physical therapist turn in fine performances, inexorably warming to Dell’s infectious enthusiasm.
Some will find “The Upside” formulaic. Others will complain there is not enough suffering or anguish on the part of Dell and Phil to earn deliverance from their demons. These quibbles aside, audiences should have no trouble reading between the lines. Boasting a solid cast and confident performances, “The Upside” provides an enjoyable and often insightful journey through self-indulgent remorse that methodically transforms into exhilarating redemption. It may not be perfect, but it’s mostly very good stuff.
In theaters Friday, January 11th
