In the ever-evolving genre of romantic comedies, a new entrant titled “Upgraded” is set to charm audiences on Prime Video, launching on February 9, with a trailer that promises a blend of humor, fashion, and high-stakes professional drama reminiscent of the beloved film “The Devil Wears Prada”. The trailer, which debuted today, showcases a vibrant narrative centered around the character of Ana, portrayed by the talented Camila Mendes.
As the trailer unfolds, viewers meet Ana, an unemployed young woman in the throes of post-college life, crashing with her sister (Aimee Carrero) and her sister’s quirky husband (played by comedian Andrew Schulz). Ana’s world turns upside down when she lands an internship with the demanding and formidable art business mogul Claire Dupont, brought to life by the acclaimed Marisa Tomei. Dupont, a character that could easily remind audiences of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, puts Ana through the gauntlet of high-pressure tasks and challenging expectations.
Ana’s mundane life veers into the extraordinary when she’s unexpectedly “upgraded” to first class on a work trip, leading to an encounter with the charming Will, portrayed by Archie Renaux. In a twist fuelled by mistaken identity, Will believes Ana to be her boss, triggering a whirlwind of romantic entanglements and unforeseen opportunities. As Ana embraces the deception, the audience is taken on a ride through opulent settings and grandiose experiences, though the threat of her secret being revealed looms large, creating a tantalizing plot tension.
This tale of personal growth set against the backdrop of high fashion and elite art circles is penned by Christine Lenig and the writing duo Justin Matthews & Luke Spencer Roberts. Behind the camera, the film is directed by Carlson Young, ensuring a fresh and engaging perspective on the genre.
Joining the leading duo Mendes and Renaux is an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Thomas Kretschmann, Gregory Montel, Rachel Matthews, Lena Olin, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Anthony Head, and Saoirse-Monica Jackson. Together, this diverse group of performers contributes to the film’s dynamic world, each adding depth and color to the story.
The production slate includes a blend of seasoned and emerging talent. Producers Mike Karz, William Bindley, Lena Roklin, and Piers Tempest bring their collective experience to the project, while the team of executive producers comprising Josie Rosen, Tom Salentine, and lead actors Camila and Rachel, alongside Karl Hall and Matt Williams, invests the film with a varied set of insights and ambitions.
Prime Video’s commitment to a fresh lineup of original content ensures “Upgraded” a place among anticipated releases. The film joins an increasingly rich tapestry of rom-coms that seek to both honor classic tropes of the genre and push boundaries with contemporary storytelling and a modern twist on familiar narratives.
In a landscape where streaming services continually vie for viewers’ attentions, “Upgraded” presents itself as a delightful concoction of comedy, romance, and the ever-relatable theme of navigating one’s aspirations within the cutthroat world of fashion and art. The movie invites audiences to question the price of success and the value of authenticity, all while providing the escapist entertainment the rom-com genre is adored for.
As the trailer teases a glamorous adventure filled with luxurious getaways and high profile events, it also anchors itself with characters that audiences are primed to root for. Whether it’s the aspirational journey of Ana or the magnetic appeal of Will, “Upgraded” seems poised to deliver a first-class ticket to rom-com satisfaction when it arrives on screens next month.
