Camila Mendes, celebrated for her role in the hit series Riverdale, embarks on a fresh chapter of her acting journey with “Upgraded,” a romantic comedy now available on Amazon Prime. This venture marks a departure from the adolescent roles that have largely defined her career thus far. At 29, Mendes demonstrates her versatility by transitioning from the familiar realm of teenage dramas to a more mature character in this romcom directed by Carlson Young.
In “Upgraded,” Mendes seizes the opportunity to flex her acting muscles in a role that mirrors her real age and life experiences. She embodies Ana, a determined third-tier assistant armed with a master’s degree in art history. Ana navigates the cutthroat world of a prestigious auction house in New York City, steadfast in her mission to prove herself despite daunting obstacles. Her character is a delightful blend of charm and wit, endearing herself to those around her while grappling with the complexities of her career and personal life.
Drawing parallels to iconic films like “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Upgraded” presents Ana as an ambitious young professional striving for success in a glamorous yet challenging urban setting. Similar to Anne Hathaway’s character in the aforementioned film, Ana’s journey resonates with anyone who has chased their dreams in a competitive industry, encountering setbacks and moments of doubt along the way.
Supported by a talented ensemble cast, including Aimee Carrero and Andrew Schulz, Mendes infuses depth and authenticity into her portrayal of Ana. The dynamics between Ana, her sister Vivian, and her fiancé Ronnie add layers to the narrative, shedding light on the intricacies of family and relationships amidst Ana’s professional aspirations.
While “Upgraded” may tread familiar ground in terms of transitioning from teenage roles to adult ones, it distinguishes itself as a modern tale of self-discovery and empowerment. With its blend of humor, romance, and relatable themes, the film strikes a chord with audiences navigating their own paths to success and fulfillment.
The narrative of “Upgraded” takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of tonal shifts, from awkward campiness to enchanting romance. Penned by Christine Lenig, Justin Matthews, and Luke Spencer Robert, the screenplay initially leans towards satire, particularly in its portrayal of Ana’s boss, Claire, played by Marisa Tomei. However, Claire’s character feels somewhat outdated and challenging to empathize with in the context of contemporary workplace dynamics, making her redemption arc less convincing.
Through a twist of fate orchestrated by Claire, Ana finds herself thrust into a high-stakes work trip to London, where she encounters Will Delaroche, portrayed by Archie Renaux. Their chance encounter sets the stage for a romantic subplot intertwined with the world of high-end art auctions.
Comparisons to recent romcoms like “Love at First Sight” are inevitable, but “Upgraded” injects its narrative with workplace dynamics, offering a refreshing twist. As Ana navigates the intricacies of the art world and ingratiates herself with the Delaroche family, she finds herself amidst familial tensions and business negotiations.
The film balances humor and romance against the backdrop of New York’s elite art scene, with Mendes’s portrayal of Ana charming her way through professional and personal challenges. Supported by a talented ensemble cast, including Rachel Matthews and Fola Evans-Akingbola, the characters in “Upgraded” feel both larger than life and relatably human.
While the film’s narrative may stumble at times with tonal shifts, at its core lies a charming tale of self-discovery, ambition, and love. Mendes’s portrayal of Ana, while occasionally reminiscent of her Veronica Lodge persona, exudes authenticity, particularly in her interactions with Renaux’s character, Will. Together, Mendes and Renaux inject the romcom formula with a refreshing dose of earthiness, enabling viewers to overlook certain narrative shortcuts and inconsistencies.
Despite occasional moments of predictability, “Upgraded” manages to avoid glorifying toxic workplace dynamics, offering a more lighthearted take on the theme. In the realm of streaming content, the film stands out as a polished addition to the romcom genre, with Mendes’s talent elevating it above its occasional shortcomings. As Mendes continues to evolve as an actress, “Upgraded” marks a significant milestone in her career, hinting at even greater contributions to come in more mature roles.
| Aspect | Review |
|---|---|
| Acting | Mendes showcases versatility and authenticity, supported by a talented ensemble cast. |
| Plot | Balances humor and romance against the backdrop of the elite art scene, occasionally stumbling with tonal shifts and predictability. |
| Characters | Characters are both larger than life and relatably human, though some, like Claire, feel outdated and difficult to empathize with. |
| Romance | Mendes and Renaux inject the romcom formula with earthiness, providing engaging interactions and refreshing chemistry. |
| Workplace Dynamics | Offers a lighthearted take on workplace themes, sidestepping the glorification of toxic dynamics, but occasionally falls into caricatured portrayals. |
| Overall Execution | Polished yet somewhat forgettable addition to the romcom genre, with Mendes’s talent elevating the film and leaving room for future growth. |
