The Upside

The Upside

Year: 2019

Runtime: 126 min

Director: Neil Burger

DramaComedy

A wealthy man, rendered quadriplegic, hires a charming ex-convict as his caretaker. Their contrasting backgrounds and personalities initially create friction, but they gradually develop a deep and unexpected friendship. Through their interactions, both men confront personal challenges and learn valuable lessons about life, acceptance, and the true meaning of connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Upside (2019)

Trace every key event in The Upside (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Police Encounter

Dell and Philip are pulled over by the police while speeding through New York City in a flashy Ferrari. Dell quickly concocts a story about rushing Philip to the hospital, leading to an unexpected and reluctant cooperation from Philip.

New York City
2

Dell's Parole

Six months earlier, Dell Scott is freshly paroled and must gather signatures to prove he’s seeking employment. His journey in pursuit of these signatures takes him to various workplaces, setting the stage for his future.

3

Meeting Philip

Dell secures an unexpected encounter with Philip Lacasse at his luxurious penthouse. After barging in for a signature, Dell intrigues Philip, who shockingly offers him a job as his caregiver despite Dell’s initial rejection of the idea.

Philip's Penthouse
4

Strained Family Ties

In an effort to reconnect with his estranged family, Dell approaches his ex-wife Latrice and son Anthony but faces rejection at every turn. This painful moment deepens Dell’s drive for redemption, pushing him to accept Philip’s caregiver offer.

5

First Day as Caregiver

After accepting the caregiver position, Dell faces tough challenges and is immediately subjected to the 'three strikes' rule set by Yvonne, Philip’s assistant. His initial struggles highlight his inexperience as he grapples with the demanding responsibilities.

6

Bonding Over Adventures

Dell begins taking Philip out in stylish supercars instead of the usual work van, breathing new zest into their lives. Their adventures facilitate deep conversations where Philip starts expressing feelings he had buried beneath his medical struggles.

7

Sharing Joy

One significant moment occurs when Dell shares a joint with Philip to ease his Neurogenic pain, breaking the barriers imposed by Philip’s strict healthcare protocols. Through this bonding experience, they share candid conversations and laughter, strengthening their friendship.

8

Dell's Creativity

Dell helps Philip explore new avenues of life by encouraging him to engage with art and even showcases Philip's artwork. This artistic journey brings joy and reflects the evolving relationship between Dell and Philip, further enhancing their mutual liberation from their pasts.

9

Family Outing

Dell attempts to bond with his son Anthony by including him in one of their outings. Unfortunately, the reunion turns sour when Anthony feels let down, prompting Dell to face the reality of his family’s feelings toward him.

10

Philip's Birthday Party

During a surprise birthday celebration for Philip, tensions boil over into a heated argument, symbolizing the struggles they face together. The night concludes with Philip retreating into his correspondence with Lily, hinting at deeper emotional issues.

11

Dell's Success

As time progresses, Dell experiences financial success by providing a better life for Latrice and Anthony and starting a business for motorized wheelchairs. This success marks a significant turnaround in his life, highlighting his growth and focus on family.

12

Struggles with Depression

Despite Dell’s successes, Philip battles bouts of depression with the turnover of caregivers increasing his isolation. This new challenge showcases the ongoing struggles both men face despite their budding friendship.

13

Rekindling Friendship

In a bold attempt to reconnect, Dell takes Philip for a drive, leading to a thrilling encounter that pushes their bond to new heights. This adventure serves as a pivotal moment as they confront both their vulnerabilities together.

14

Emotional Breakthroughs

The drive becomes a transformative experience, allowing both men to address their fears and vulnerabilities. From this journey, Dell ambitiously plans for Philip's future endeavors, like paragliding, reinforcing the depth of their friendship.

15

Reconnecting with Family

Ultimately, Dell rejoins his much-missed family, achieving the redemption and healing he yearned for. This concluding chapter signifies a new beginning for both Dell and Philip, solidifying the impact they had on each other's lives.

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 18:17

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The Upside Summary

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The Upside Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Upside

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Upside

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