The Max Sci-Fi Thriller Is A Violent Cult Classic

The story follows Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), a mechanic who becomes paralyzed and widowed after a brutal mugging that also takes the life of his wife, Asha (Melanie Vallejo).

Upgrade takes a turn when Grey is approached by a wealthy inventor, Eron Keen (Harrison Gilbertson), who persuades him to try an experimental computer chip called STEM that can restore his ability to move.

Once implanted, the technology enables Grey to walk again and gives him enhanced physical abilities. Grey uses his newfound powers to investigate his wife’s murder.

While reviewing a drone recording of his wife’s murder, Grey hears STEM communicating in his thoughts. It proposes seeking revenge and promptly identifies one of the assailants from the footage as Serk Brantner (Richard Cawthorne).

In Upgrade, Grey discovers evidence of Serk’s involvement in a covert military experiment, linking him to a local establishment called the Old Bones.

A confrontation ensues, and STEM persuades Grey to temporarily relinquish control, transforming him into a deadly combatant who effortlessly takes down Serk.

Despite Cortez observing footage of Grey’s wheelchair near Serk’s house, his paralysis eliminates him as a suspect. Eron, tracking STEM’s movements, chastises Grey for his vigilantism.

As Grey continues his investigation in Upgrade, he discovers a dark conspiracy involving STEM and the powerful individuals who created it. Upgrade was produced by Blumhouse Productions, a company known for its success in producing popular horror films.

Whannell, who previously worked on the Saw and Insidious franchises, wanted to explore the integration of technology with the human body.

Although Upgade’s budget was relatively modest, Whannell and his team used innovative techniques and creative storytelling to make the most of the resources available.

The film had its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March 2018 and was later released in theaters that June. The film received positive reviews from critics who praised its action sequences and plot twists.

Upgrade currently holds an 88 percent critic and audience rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s general consensus likens the movie to its augmented protagonist, where old-fashioned equipment gets a high-tech boost made even more powerful thanks to sharp humor and a solidly well-told story.

Upgrade performed reasonably well at the box office, earning over $16 million worldwide. The film’s title is a clever play on words, reflecting the technological upgrade given to the protagonist and the upgrade in action and intensity throughout the story.

Logan Marshall-Green’s performance in the action scenes, coupled with the innovative camera work, contributed to the film’s appeal.

Interestingly, Whannell consciously tried to blend different genres, resulting in a film combining science fiction, action, and body horror elements.

The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Jed Palmer, also received praise for its electronic and pulsating tones, enhancing the futuristic atmosphere.

Over the years, Upgrade has gained a cult following for its inventive story and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and technology.