2019 Film Festival
film synopsis
Infusing the world-renowned true story with irrefutable Hollywood star power and some NYC grit, The Upside is a remarkable charmer invigorated by the infectious chemistry between Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston. With a prior record preventing him from any meaningful employment, Dell (Hart) has nearly given up when he mistakenly stumbles into the extravagant penthouse of New York City billionaire Phillip Lacasse (Cranston), a man living with quadriplegia. Despite any semblance of experience, the curmudgeonly Phillip smugly opts for the unqualified Dell for his in-home caretaker, much to the displeasure of Phillip’s assistant Yvonne (Nicole Kidman in rare form). The odd couple, surprising to no one, have very little in common. But as Dell is introduced to a new world of Mozart concertos and an intimate relationship with Phillip’s catheter, a deeper understanding of each other’s complex lives develops. Featuring a celebrated dramatic turn by Hart and a soulful, yet hilarious, cannabis-driven performance from Cranston, The Upside is destined to be a new classic.