The Upside (2019) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Philip hired Dell specifically because he was the least qualified candidate. Yvonne explains that Philip deliberately chose someone inadequate, believing it would hasten his own death due to his medical complexities as a quadriplegic. This was tied to Philip's depression and his desire to end his suffering, making Dell an unlikely and tragic choice for such a dark purpose.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Philip mentions he has a Do Not Resuscitate order, hinting at his desire to no longer live.

• philip
• dell
• caregiver
• hiring
• quadriplegia
• depression

Dell initially refused Philip's offer but later accepted after being rejected by his ex-wife Latrice and son Anthony. Desperate for redemption and having no other options, Dell took the job as a way to prove himself and turn his life around.

Foreshadowing: Dell struggles to find employment as a newly paroled ex-convict, making his acceptance more desperate.

• dell
• job
• acceptance
• redemption
• parole

Dell felt inspired to improve Philip's quality of life after learning the book he took was a treasured gift from Philip's late wife. He abandoned the unremarkable work van in favor of flashy supercars to give Philip a sense of excitement and freedom, which reinvigorated both their lives.

Foreshadowing: Dell learns about the significance of the book and Philip's lost sense of joy.

• dell
• philip
• supercars
• freedom
• adventure

Philip has a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, meaning medical staff are instructed not to revive him if his heart stops. This reflects Philip's desire to end his suffering from the pain of quadriplegia. When Dell discovers this, it becomes a turning point where he encourages Philip to embrace life rather than accept death.

Foreshadowing: Yvonne's implication that Philip selected Dell to die hints at his suicidal intentions.

• philip
• dnr
• quadriplegia
• death
• medical order

Anthony felt let down by Dell's attempt to bond with him during one of the outings with Philip. The reunion turned sour when Anthony returned a gift Dell had given him, showing the deep hurt and estrangement caused by Dell's past absence from his life.

Foreshadowing: Dell was rejected by his ex-wife Latrice when he first tried to reconnect with his family.

• dell
• anthony
• son
• rejection
• family estrangement

Philip is romantically corresponding with Lily Foley via letters. This connection is revealed during Philip's birthday party when he retreats to his correspondence after an argument. Lily depicts a different reality for Philip, representing his hope for romance and emotional connection beyond his physical limitations.

Foreshadowing: There are subtle hints of romantic feelings throughout the film, with Dell probing Yvonne about potential feelings.

• philip
• lily foley
• letters
• romance
• correspondence

Yvonne left Philip because of his struggles with depression and the constant turnover of caregivers, which left him increasingly isolated. Despite her dedication to him, the mounting challenges became overwhelming, leading to her departure and further isolating Philip.

Foreshadowing: Philip's depression and caregiver turnover are ongoing struggles mentioned throughout the film.

• yvonne
• philip
• assistant
• departure
• depression

Dell and Philip are pulled over while speeding through New York City in a flashy Ferrari. Dell quickly convinces the officers they're rushing Philip to the emergency room, and a reluctant Philip plays along. This occurs as part of Dell's bold move to rekindle their friendship after Philip's depression and Yvonne's departure.

Foreshadowing: This adventure is Dell's attempt to reconnect Philip with joy and push past their vulnerabilities.

• dell
• philip
• police
• ferrari
• new york
• drive

Dell shared a joint with Philip to help alleviate his Neurogenic pain, breaking the barriers of Philip's strict healthcare protocols. This moment became a bonding experience that strengthened their friendship, as Dell encouraged Philip to reclaim his zest for life despite his medical condition.

Foreshadowing: Philip's strict healthcare protocols and chronic pain are established earlier in the film.

• dell
• philip
• joint
• pain
• neurogenic
• bonding

During Philip's surprise birthday celebration, tensions boiled over and culminated in a heated argument. This cathartic moment of destruction symbolized the struggles both men faced together. The night ended with Philip retreating to his correspondence with Lily, hinting at deeper emotional issues beneath the surface.

Foreshadowing: The argument reflects underlying tensions from Philip's depression and the challenges of their relationship.

• philip
• birthday
• argument
• party
• conflict
• catharsis

Dell achieved financial success by securing a new home for his ex-wife Latrice and son Anthony, and by starting a business focused on motorized wheelchairs. This marked a significant turnaround in his life, showing his growth from a struggling ex-convict to a successful entrepreneur.

Foreshadowing: Dell had initially struggled with basic caregiver tasks but demonstrated creativity and determination throughout.

• dell
• success
• business
• wheelchair
• family
• financial

Dell planned for Philip to go paragliding again as a way to help Philip reconnect with joy and adventure. This ambitious plan came after their transformative drive together, representing Dell's commitment to helping Philip reclaim his zest for life and find new purpose.

Foreshadowing: Their drive together was a pivotal moment of emotional breakthroughs and confronting vulnerabilities.

• dell
• philip
• paragliding
• adventure
• future
• planning