The Upside is a 2019 American comedy-drama film directed by Neil Burger, starring Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, and Nicole Kidman. It is a remake of the 2011 French film The Intouchables, which in turn was inspired by the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver, Abdel Sellou. This article will explore the film’s plot, characters, themes, its real-life inspiration, and the differences between the movie and the actual events.

Plot Summary

The Upside follows the story of Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston), a wealthy quadriplegic living in New York City, and Dell Scott (Kevin Hart), an ex-convict who is struggling to rebuild his life. After a paragliding accident leaves Phillip paralyzed, he requires a caregiver to assist him with his daily needs. Dell, desperate for work and trying to prove himself to his estranged family, applies for the job despite his lack of experience. Against the advice of his business manager, Yvonne (Nicole Kidman), Phillip hires Dell.

The film charts the development of their unlikely friendship as Dell helps Phillip rediscover the joy in life while Phillip, in turn, encourages Dell to believe in his potential and strive for a better future. The narrative explores themes of redemption, the breaking down of social barriers, and the transformative power of human connection.

Characters

• Phillip Lacasse: Portrayed by Bryan Cranston, Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who becomes dependent on Dell for his care. His character is based on the real-life Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a French aristocrat and former director of the Pommery champagne house.
• Dell Scott: Played by Kevin Hart, Dell is a struggling ex-convict who becomes Phillip’s caregiver. His character is inspired by Abdel Sellou, an Algerian immigrant in France who became Pozzo di Borgo’s caregiver.
• Yvonne Pendleton: Nicole Kidman plays Yvonne, Phillip’s efficient and protective business manager. In real life, this character is based on Philippe’s assistant, although her name and certain aspects of her story were fictionalized for the film.

Real-Life Inspiration

The true story behind The Upside is that of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou. Philippe, born into a life of privilege as a descendant of French nobility, became a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident in 1993. At the time of his accident, Philippe was the director of the prestigious Pommery champagne house. He spent two years in the hospital recovering before returning home, where he struggled with depression and isolation, exacerbated by the death of his wife from cancer around the same time.

Abdel Sellou, on the other hand, was an Algerian immigrant with a criminal past. He had no experience in caregiving when he applied for the job to assist Philippe, but his unconventional approach and candid personality brought a new energy into Philippe’s life. Their relationship, marked by humor, mutual respect, and genuine affection, formed the basis for the memoirs written by both men, which later inspired the films The Intouchables and The Upside.

Differences Between the Film and Real Life

While The Upside captures the essence of Philippe and Abdel’s relationship, several changes were made to adapt the story for an American audience:

1. Setting: The film is set in New York City, whereas the real events took place in Paris, France.
2. Names and Backgrounds: In the movie, Philippe becomes Phillip Lacasse, and Abdel Sellou is renamed Dell Scott. Dell is portrayed as an African American ex-convict, while Abdel is an Algerian immigrant.
3. Philippe’s Wealth: The movie portrays Phillip as a self-made businessman, whereas Philippe was actually born into wealth and later worked as the director of a champagne house.
4. Dramatization: Certain events and interactions were dramatized or fictionalized for cinematic effect. For example, the movie includes scenes of Dell taking Phillip on various adventurous outings to help him rediscover his zest for life, a creative liberty taken to emphasize the theme of personal growth and adventure.

Themes

The Upside explores several key themes:

• Friendship and Trust: The film underscores the importance of friendship and trust in overcoming personal challenges. Dell and Phillip’s relationship is a testament to how two individuals from vastly different backgrounds can find common ground and enrich each other’s lives.
• Redemption and Second Chances: Dell’s journey highlights the possibility of redemption and the importance of second chances. His character arc shows how individuals can rise above their past mistakes and create a better future.
• Empathy and Understanding: By depicting the day-to-day struggles of a quadriplegic, the film fosters empathy and understanding for those living with disabilities. It also challenges societal prejudices and stereotypes.
• Joy and Resilience: Phillip’s transformation from a state of despondency to one of joy and resilience illustrates the power of human connection and the impact of a positive attitude.

Reception

The Upside received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences. Bryan Cranston’s and Kevin Hart’s performances were particularly praised, with their chemistry being a highlight of the film. Critics noted that while the film followed a familiar formula, it succeeded in delivering heartfelt moments and humor.

The Upside is more than just a story about a quadriplegic man and his caregiver; it is a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection. By delving into the real-life story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, the film offers a narrative that is both inspiring and entertaining, reminding us of the profound impact one person can have on another’s life.

For those interested in further details about the real-life events that inspired the movie, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo’s memoir, A Second Wind, and Abdel Sellou’s autobiography, You Changed My Life, provide deeper insights into their remarkable journey together.