Summary
- Netflix viewers discover an underrated gem with the sci-fi thriller Upgrade, landing it in the global top 10.
- Despite a low box office, Upgrade received critical acclaim with 88% ratings from audiences and critics.
- The success of director Leigh Whannell's other film The Invisible Man may have sparked recognition for Upgrade.
The sci-fi thriller Upgrade features a leading cast including Melanie Vallejo, Steve Danielsen, Abby Craden, Harrison Gilbertson, Benedict Hardie, Richard Cawthorne, and Christopher Kirby.
Now, Upgrade has made its way onto the Netflix global top 10. Upgrade came in no. 6 on the charts for the week of May 13 to May 19, with 2.9 million views. Topping the list this week were Mother of the Bride at no. 1 (25.4 million views), Madame Web at no. 2 (10.8 million views), and Disturbia at no. 3 (7.7 million views). There were also four animated films on the list this week, including Thelma the Unicorn, Shrek, Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Boss Baby.
How Was Upgrade Received In Theaters?
Whannell Has Been Building A Strong Reputation As A Director
Upgrade’s success comes as a bit of a surprise, as the film was underrated when it was released in theaters. Upgrade made only $16.5 million at the global box office upon its 2018 release. Its budget was an estimated $5 million, so its performance did over triple the budget. Because of this, Upgrade was not a complete box office failure, but it did underperform such that very few people got the chance to see the sci-fi thriller when it was in theaters.
Despite the relatively low theatrical box office, Upgrade did fairly well critically at the time of its release. The film ended up scoring 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a sizable 192. Audiences like Upgrade too, giving it an identical score of 88%. These relatively high ratings might be a good reason that Upgrade is being rediscovered again, despite its low box office. Those looking for quality sci-fi may have come across Upgrade on lists of underrated works.
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Another reason for Upgrade’s recognition is the success of director Whannell in the years following. Just before the pandemic hit in 2020, Whannell helmed a well-regarded remake of The Invisible Man. Made on a similarly-small $7 million, The Invisible Man made back its money with much to spare, grossing $144.4 million at the worldwide box office. The Invisible Man might give more spotlight to the director’s other work, explaining the delayed success for Upgrade.
Upgrade is available to stream on Netflix.
Source: Netflix
Written and directed by Leigh Whannell, Upgrade is a Sci-Fi, Action, and Cyberpunk film starring Betty Gabriel, Logan Marshall-Green, and Harrison Gilbertson. The plot sees a man suffering a tragic accident and becoming paralyzed as a result. He soon accepts a STEM implant that gives him back his body and much more.
- Writers
- Leigh Whannell
- Studio(s)
- Blumhouse Productions, Goalpost Pictures, Nervous Tick Productions, Film Victoria, Automatik
- Distributor(s)
- Universal Pictures
- Budget
- $3 million
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