Upgrade

Upgrade is a thrilling science fiction and action movie from 2018, directed and written by the well-regarded Leigh Whannell. Notable for its thought-provoking storyline, unique perspectives on technological advancement, and outstanding performances, Upgrade captures a world where technology has advanced beyond our control.

The movie's main character is Grey Trace, portrayed by Logan Marshall-Green, known for his roles in Prometheus and The Invitation. Grey Trace is a mechanic, a seemingly ordinary man living in a highly mechanized world who prefers things the old-fashioned way. He seems to live in the past despite existing in a futuristic society overseen by unchecked artificial intelligence systems and autonomous vehicles.

Melanie Vallejo of 'Winners and Losers' and Powers' fame plays her role as Asha Trace, Grey's wife. Their chemistry is legible, making their relationship feel natural, and acts as the emotional backbone of the film to invest the audience in their struggles.

Ther major part in the movie is introduced when Grey's world gets turned upside down after a tragic incident leaves him paralyzed. The incident also introduces him to a billionaire innovator, Eron Keen, played convincingly by Harrison Gilbertson. Eron offers Grey a lifeline in the form of an experimental cure that will "upgrade" his body and life. The "upgrade" here is a ground-breaking bio-mechanical chip implant named "STEM".

The innovation successfully transforms Grey into a superhuman who ventures on a revenge mission. However, the upgrade also begins to blur the line between man and machine, suggesting a trail of an unsettling future where the lines between human bodies, minds, and machines become blurred beyond distinction.

Upgrade draws the viewer into a world that is both futuristic and eerily plausible, presenting a space where technology’s ability to solve all human complications may pose new complications of its own. The movie effectively captures the distressing side of our dependence on technology. Even though the movie is set in the future, it speaks to the present by probing into our society's relationship with technology, exacerbating the fears that lie in the back of every tech-users mind. The impressive visual effects and futuristic universe that Upgrade presents amplifies the chilling consequences of this dependence, pushing us to question whether we are willing to sacrifice our humanity for convenience.

The director's vision shines throughout the film, as he guarantees that the audience is kept on the edge of their seats. There are plenty of highly stylised action scenes designed with incredible innovation. Moreover, the film's less action-oriented scenes are infused with a sense of tension and unease, keeping viewers fully invested.

Logan Marshall-Green’s performance as a man divided between his body and his will dramatically captures the essence of dualism, possibly illustrating the struggle between human instincts and highly advanced artificial intelligence. The physicality he brings to his role is impressive, providing moments that make the movie highly engaging: an outstanding expression of his talent.

The supporting performances, particularly from Melanie Vallejo and Harrison Gilbertson, further strengthen the movie. They contribute significantly towards making Upgrade an unforgettable and intense viewing experience. The movie’s skilled blend of visceral action scenes and explorations of our relationship with technology creates a riveting watch.

Steve Danielsen, another recognizable cast member, brings depth to his role. He, alongside other cast members like Betty Gabriel and Benedict Hardie, brings additional layers to this multi-dimensional story.

To wrap up, Upgrade is a striking exploration of a man's struggle to regain control of his body and his life, all while providing edge-of-your-seat action and an insightful examination of the rapid rise of technology. It is a unique blend of body horror, science fiction, and revenge thriller that leaves the audience pondering about humanity's future. It's a notably intense, clever, fast-paced action movie with a twist: a portrait of a future that is alarmingly possible.