Is Upstate Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Upstate is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Upstate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, Upstate emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After his mother dies, Dan McCarthy returns to his upstate New York family home hoping to find out why his older brother Robert was not at the funeral. Unlike standard genre fare, Upstate attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Upstate features a noteworthy lineup led by Jonah Bay . Supported by the likes of Juliet Cadzow and Julie Kessler , 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 Upstate (1997) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Upstate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Upstate is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Upstate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Upstate attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Upstate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Upstate?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Upstate
- Jonah Bay – Dan McCarthy
- Juliet Cadzow –
- Julie Kessler – Julie
- Jennifer McCardy –
- Kirsteen Campbell –
Top Highlights
Jonah BayDan McCarthy
Juliet Cadzow
Julie KesslerJulie
Jennifer McCardy
Kirsteen Campbell
Hugh O'GormanRobert McCarthy
Julie Austen
Mark McKee
Ellen KotzinEileen's Friend
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Upstate has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Upstate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upstate movie hit or flop?
Upstate is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Upstate worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Upstate may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Upstate online?
Upstate may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How Upstate Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Upstate
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.