The Upside 2019

Speeding through the bustling streets of New York City in a flashy Ferrari, Dell Scott and Philip Lacasse find themselves pulled over by the police. In a moment of quick thinking, Dell persuades the officers that he’s rushing Philip to the emergency room, leading to a reluctant Philip playing along as they are escorted to the hospital.

Flashback six months earlier, we meet Dell, who has just been paroled and is required to gather signatures to show he’s actively seeking employment. His journey takes him to various workplaces, including the luxurious penthouse of Philip, a wealthy man living with quadriplegia. There, Dell, in an unexpected encounter with Yvonne Pendleton, Philip’s dedicated assistant, barges in demanding a signature for his parole officer. Intrigued by Dell’s audacity, Philip offers him a role as his “life auxiliary” caregiver, but Dell initially turns it down.

Attempting to reconnect with his estranged family, Dell visits his ex-wife Latrice and son Anthony, only to be met with rejection. In a desperate bid for redemption, he accepts the caregiver position with Philip, wherein Yvonne establishes a tricky “three strikes” rule. She implies that Philip chose Dell specifically because he was the least qualified candidate, believing that his presence would hasten Philip’s own demise due to his medical complexities. Taking on the challenging responsibilities proves daunting for Dell, even with the support of Philip’s physical therapist Maggie. When he struggles with routine tasks, he receives a “strike,” highlighting his initial lack of confidence.

As Dell learns more about Philip’s life and finds out that the book he took from Philip’s library was a treasured gift from Philip’s late wife, he feels compelled to inform Latrice about his new job. Dell’s determination to prove himself leads him to take Philip out in a more stylish manner, abandoning the unremarkable work van in favor of eye-catching supercars, reinvigorating both their lives.

“You’re living the life I wish I could!” Philip shares this sentiment as they connect while breaking free from the confines of Philip’s strict Do Not Resuscitate order. A small moment of joy involves them sharing a joint to alleviate Philip’s Neurogenic pain as Dell inspires Philip to reclaim his zest for life, leading to candid conversations and a growing friendship.

Dell’s compassion aids Philip in various areas, from modifying his wheelchair to exposing him to opera and modern art. Dell’s creativity shines through when he paints, leading to Philip displaying his artwork proudly. There are subtle hints of feelings between Yvonne and Philip, which Dell probes; however, it is eventually revealed that Philip is romantically corresponding with Lily Foley via letters.

In an attempt to reconnect with his son, Dell includes Anthony in an outing, though it turns sour when Anthony feels disappointed and returns a gift Dell had given him. Tensions arise during a surprise birthday celebration for Philip, where an argument culminates in a cathartic moment of destruction, while the night ends with Philip connecting with Lily, who depicts a different reality than expected.

As time passes, financial success comes for Dell, who secures a new home for Latrice and Anthony, and even starts a business focused on motorized wheelchairs. However, Philip’s struggles with depression and caregiver turnover prompt his assistant Yvonne to leave, further isolating him. In a bold move to rekindle their friendship, Dell takes Philip for a drive, culminating in their thrilling encounter with the police.

Their journey leads to emotional breakthroughs where both men confront their vulnerabilities. Dell ambitiously plans for Philip to go paragliding again, ultimately finding a way to reconnect Philip with Yvonne before returning to his much-missed family, solidifying a newfound sense of purpose and healing for them all.