Summary
The sci-fi thrillerUpgradefinds success on the Netflix charts. Released in 2018, the Leigh Whannell futuristic film chronicles a story wherein technology is an omnipotent force over life. It takes Grey (Logan Marshall-Green), a self-declared technophobe, to challenge the system through an experimental computer chip implant. In addition to Marshall-Green,Upgradefeatures a leading castincluding Melanie Vallejo, Steve Danielsen, Abby Craden, Harrison Gilbertson, Benedict Hardie, Richard Cawthorne, and Christopher Kirby.
Now,Upgradehas made its way onto theNetflixglobal top 10.Upgradecame in no. 6 on the chartsfor the week of May 13 to May 19, with 2.9 million views. Topping the list this week wereMother of the Brideat no. 1 (25.4 million views),Madame Webat no. 2 (10.8 million views), andDisturbiaat no. 3 (7.7 million views). There were also four animated films on the list this week, includingThelma the Unicorn,Shrek,Sonic the Hedgehog, andThe Boss Baby.
How Was Upgrade Received In Theaters?
Whannell Has Been Building A Strong Reputation As A Director
Upgrade’s success comes as a bit of a surprise, as the film was underrated when it was released in theaters.Upgrademade only $16.5 million at the global box officeupon its 2018 release. Its budget was an estimated $5 million, so its performance did over triple the budget. Because of this,Upgradewas not a complete box office failure, but it did underperform such that very few people got the chance to see the sci-fi thriller when it was in theaters.
Despite the relatively low theatrical box office,Upgradedid fairly well critically at the time of its release. Thefilm ended up scoring 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a sizable 192. Audiences likeUpgradetoo, giving it an identical score of 88%. These relatively high ratings might be a good reason thatUpgradeis being rediscovered again, despite its low box office. Those looking for quality sci-fi may have come acrossUpgradeon lists of underrated works.
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Another reason forUpgrade’s recognition is the success of director Whannell in the years following. Just before the pandemic hit in 2020, Whannell helmed awell-regarded remake ofThe Invisible Man. Made on a similarly-small $7 million,The Invisible Manmade back its money with much to spare, grossing $144.4 million at the worldwide box office.The Invisible Manmight give more spotlight to the director’s other work, explaining the delayed success forUpgrade.
Upgrade
Cast
Written and directed by Leigh Whannell, Upgrade is a Sci-Fi, Action, and Cyberpunk film starring Betty Gabriel, Logan Marshall-Green, and Harrison Gilbertson. The plot sees a man suffering a tragic accident and becoming paralyzed as a result. He soon accepts a STEM implant that gives him back his body and much more.
