Upgrade – Film Review

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bounhy8Y2Jk?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Upgrade is a taut futuristic thriller exploring the man vs machine dilemma. In an age where Alexa and Siri voice-activated devices are advertising fodder, Upgrade furthers the question of who is actually in control. Will the machines learn so much from us humans to out-think us all?

Grey (Logan Marshall-Green) restores custom cars for affluent collectors. His wife, Asha (Melanie Vallejo) works for a high-profile software company undertaking human/machine experiments on ex-soldiers. It is when Grey delivers his latest custom car to his client – self-made tech entrepreneur Eron (Harrison Gilbertson), that he’s unknowingly identified as a host for a new piece of AI.

While travelling home, the couple are ambushed and shot, Asha fatally. Grey wakes in the hospital, unable to use any of his limbs, and wishes himself dead. A surprise visit from Eron brings a proposition of radical surgery that will allow Grey to move and ultimately, catch those responsible for his dead wife.

Written and directed by the captain of the Saw and Insidious franchises, Leigh Whannell, you will see the odd gory scene or two. But that’s where the comparisons with Whannell’s repertoire end. In fact, the first fight scene erupted in chuckles given the lead character, Grey’s reaction to his new ninja-like fighting prowess.

The choreography of these scenes and camera work are impressive. It’s not all CGI either with sophisticated fight sequences and a good old car chase you won’t believe is filmed on the Craigiburn Bypass in Melbourne.

Upgrade is a smart production; expectations are high for it to be acknowledged in the next AACTA Awards.

Highly recommended.

4 stars.

Upgrade opens nationally on Thursday 14 June 2018.

About Upgrade

Written and Directed by: Leigh Whannell
Stars: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson, Simon Maiden, Melanie Vallejo, Benedict Hardie
Rating MA 15+