Is The Upside Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Upside is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 126 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Upside Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, The Upside emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. Unlike standard genre fare, The Upside attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Upside features a noteworthy lineup led by Kevin Hart . Supported by the likes of Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Upside (2019) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Upside Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Upside is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
The Upside Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Upside resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Upside reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Upside?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
The Upside Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $37.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $125.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Upside Budget
The estimated production budget for The Upside is $37.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Upside
- Kevin Hart – Dell Scott
- Bryan Cranston – Phillip Lacasse
- Nicole Kidman – Yvonne Pendleton
- Golshifteh Farahani – Maggie
- Aja Naomi King – Latrice
Top Highlights
Kevin HartDell Scott
Bryan CranstonPhillip Lacasse
Nicole KidmanYvonne Pendleton
Golshifteh FarahaniMaggie
Aja Naomi KingLatrice
Tate DonovanCarter Locke
Jahi Di'Allo WinstonAnthony Scott
Genevieve AngelsonJenny Lacasse
Suzanne SavoyCharlotte
Julianna MarguliesLily Foley
Where to Watch The Upside Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Upside is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Upside stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Upside movie hit or flop?
The Upside is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy, Drama movies.
Is The Upside worth watching?
Yes, The Upside is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch The Upside online?
The Upside is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Upside
Not bad, though I was expecting more from this acting duo.
When Hart name had come up, I thought it was a comedy movie. But it a great movie!! THB this movie has quite an emotional for me. 9/10 for score.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
