Review of Upgrade (2018) by Stefane G — 05 Jan 2019

Upgrade is a thrilling and entertaining ride. Director Leigh Whannell creates a fully developed world which feels alive however, one which breathes an all too familiar air. This film poses key questions of technology and submission to the audience whilst presenting these ideas in a futuristic society all-too familiar to the future of ours. Similarly to other Cyberpunk movies like Blade Runner and RoboCop, Upgrade leaves a haunting after-thought that events of the movies plot could happen.

The brilliantly choreographed fight scenes and the comical and intriguing lead performance from Logan Marshall-Green are what carry Upgrade to soaring heights. Unfortunately, the film suffers from pacing issues as it may at some points seem as though it does not know what it wants to be. At times, it can feel like a Black Mirror episode and in others, a shorter feature film with unexplored potential.

At the end of the day, Upgrade is a delightful, engaging movie and is very impressive for its low budget.