Upgrade is a cyberpunk action-thriller film written and directed by Leigh Whannell. It was produced by Blumhouse Productions, a company known for its low-budget, high-concept films like Get Out and The Purge. Released in June 2018, Upgrade combines elements of futuristic dystopia, body horror, and visceral action sequences.
The film stands out for its tightly woven narrative, dynamic cinematography, and exploration of humanity’s relationship with technology. With a budget of only $3 million, it achieved critical acclaim and has since garnered a strong cult following.
Set in a near-future society where technology dominates every aspect of life, the film follows Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), a mechanic who prides himself on living a low-tech lifestyle in contrast to the hyper-connected world around him. Greyβs wife, Asha, works for a tech company and is deeply embedded in this world of progress, creating a tension in their otherwise loving relationship.
One night, after delivering a car to a wealthy tech innovator named Eron Keen (Harrison Gilbertson), Grey and Asha are ambushed by a gang of criminals. In the brutal attack, Asha is killed, and Grey is left paralyzed from the neck down. Devastated and without purpose, Grey contemplates ending his life but is approached by Eron with a proposition: an experimental AI implant called STEM can restore his ability to walk.
After reluctantly agreeing, Grey undergoes the procedure. STEM is far more than just a medical implantβit is an advanced AI capable of enhancing Greyβs physical abilities to superhuman levels. As Grey begins to uncover details about the men who killed his wife, STEM starts to reveal its own personality, talking to Grey in his mind and even taking control of his body in moments of danger.
Upgrade received widespread critical acclaim for its inventive direction, tight pacing, and thought-provoking themes. It holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its ability to deliver high-quality thrills on a modest budget. Audiences also lauded its combination of gritty action and philosophical depth, drawing comparisons to classic cyberpunk films like RoboCop and The Matrix.