Upright

The Amazon Add-on show, Upright, is an engaging tragic-comedy mini-series that was released in 2019. The brilliant two-hander is driven by an exceptional script that's remarkable for its seamless blend of tragedy and humor. The show, its characters, and their journey are so captivating that they'll stick with you even after the screen goes dark. This makes Upright not only great television but a beautiful, heartrending piece of storytelling in and of itself.

The series features stellar performances from Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock, two dynamic leads who are utterly compelling to watch. Minchin, who is also co-writer and executive producer of the show, plays an emotionally damaged character named Lucky Flynn, a piano virtuoso who has spent years tormented by his self-imposed exile from his childhood home and family. After years of self-imposed exile, Lucky decides to return home, taking a road trip across the rugged terrains of Australia with an upright piano tied to his car.

The youthful Milly Alcock shines as Meg leading her first major role in the series. Meg is a tough, independent teenager who, through a series of unforeseen circumstances, comes to accompany Lucky on his journey. These circumstances are a major part of the show's first couple of episodes, providing intrigue and adding a deep, multi-faceted layer of unpredictability to the narrative.

The chemistry between the two main characters is the central focal point of the series. The dynamic between Lucky and Meg is engaging, their journey wonderfully unpredictable, characterized by bouts of road-side camping, impromptu piano performances, and a fair share of conflict. Despite their differences, both in age and perspective, their experiences on the road together create a bond between them. Through their bittersweet interactions and shared experiences, viewers experience a cocktail of emotions - poignancy, laughter, and authentic human connection.

Upright is a story about redemption and self-discovery, weaving a road tale that effortlessly balances character-driven comedy with soul-stirring humanity. Each episode represents a step towards Lucky and Meg's self-understanding and growth as they confront their experiences, traumas, regrets, and dysfunctional family baggage. The piano tied to Lucky's worn-out truck can be seen as a metaphor for their emotional journey. As the instrument is pushed, pulled, battered, and played, so too are Lucky and Meg's hearts and souls.

The Australian landscape plays a significant role in the series, almost becoming a character in of itself. The show captures the desolate beauty of the country's hinterland with glorious cinematography, underlining the isolation and personal struggles of the characters. The vast outback serves as a brutal yet beautiful backdrop that folds into the narrative and complements the emotions of the characters.

Upright delivers a layered narrative that is as much a love letter to heartland Australia as it is an exploration of family dynamics, regret, and the power of human connections. Its soundtrack is both haunting and beautiful, composed by Tim Minchin himself, and serves as an emotional pulse throughout the series. The music, not surprisingly, is also an important part of the storytelling, with the piano standing as a symbol of creativity, sadness, and redemption. Much of the drama and emotion get conveyed through the keys of the upright piano, adding a unique musical dimension to the narrative.

The series is a carefully orchestrated mixture of humor, heartfelt moments, and raw emotional content. Despite its seemingly heavy themes, Upright is far from a depressing watch. The show derives a lot of humorous moments from the peculiar personalities Lucky and Meg encounter on their journey, and the odd-couple dynamic between the leads is a source of consistent comic relief. The humor, however, does not undermine the poignancy of the character's struggles but makes them more relatable, tangible, and human.

To sum it up, Upright is a beautifully shot, profoundly touching series that will draw you in from the first note to the last tear-jerking moment. The performances are incredible, the scripting tight and clever, the music emotive, and the storyline powerfully engaging. In this series, the creators have managed to blend drama, comedy, heartbreak, and redemption into a harmonious symphony that resonates on multiple levels. Though it is a relatively new show, Upright has definitely hit the high notes, making it a thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling watch.