Up There (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Up There is a 2019 drama starring David Stifel as Dad, Claudia Doumit and Kirk Fox. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes. Its Echo Score is 80/100.
English What Is Up There About?
The premise of Up There without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A struggling journalist is sent to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a lackluster assignment. He unexpectedly finds an ally in a local resident, who holds a captivating story with the potential to revitalize his career. Together, they navigate the region and uncover a narrative that could change everything.
Up There Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- journalist
Up There Cast & Characters
David Stifel leads the cast as Dad, with Claudia Doumit as Tina and Kirk Fox as Greg.
- David Stifel as Dad
-
Claudia Doumit as Tina - Kirk Fox as Greg
- Michael Blaustein as Champ
Also Starring in Up There
· 3 more- Zoe Kanters Emma
- Daniel Weingarten Jack
- Natalie Joy DiBenedetto Nat
Up There Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (70).
Up There Echo Score Breakdown
Up There delivers an earnest indie portrait of small-town life, anchored by Zoe Kanters’ nuanced performance and evocative cinematography that captures the remote Michigan landscape. Reviewers commend the film’s emotional core, thoughtful direction, and competent editing, which together create a compelling atmosphere. Criticisms focus on occasional miscasting, uneven supporting roles, and a conclusion that leaves questions unanswered. While the story’s pacing and tonal consistency vary, the film remains a memorable, affective experience for many viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
ART: The film’s direction maintains a restrained tone, allowing the stark Michigan scenery to dominate the frame. Cinematography receives consistent praise for its natural lighting and composition, while editing is noted as fluid and supportive of the narrative rhythm. Production design subtly reinforces the small-town atmosphere without drawing attention. Overall, the technical craftsmanship contributes positively to the movie's authentic feel.
- Character & Emotion 78
CHARACTER: Zoe Kanters’ performance is highlighted as layered and emotionally resonant, anchoring the ensemble. Supporting actors elicit mixed reactions; some are praised for comic timing while others are deemed uneven or miscast, impacting character depth. Chemistry among leads occasionally feels authentic, especially in scenes that build emotional momentum. The overall character work succeeds in engaging audiences despite occasional inconsistencies.
- Story & Flow 70
STORY: Reviewers commend the film’s fresh premise and its capacity to sustain interest through a blend of mystery and small-town drama. The plot’s pacing is generally praised, though several comments note an abrupt, unresolved ending and extraneous sub-threads that dilute narrative focus. Originality is recognized, yet the uneven resolution leaves some viewers desiring greater closure.
- Sensory Experience 85
SENSORY: The soundtrack subtly underscores emotional beats without overwhelming the scenes, while ambient sound design enhances the isolated setting. Visual style benefits from natural lighting and thoughtful composition, creating an immersive atmosphere that reflects the remote Michigan backdrop. Though the score is restrained, it effectively complements the film’s tone, contributing to a cohesive sensory experience.
- Rewatch Factor 80
REWATCH: Many viewers express a desire to see the film again, citing its heartfelt narrative and compelling visual presentation as repeatable strengths. The emotional resonance and authentic setting are highlighted as factors that encourage subsequent viewings. Minor narrative flaws are acknowledged but do not significantly deter audience interest in revisiting the film.
Up There Plot Summary
What happens in Up There from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Martin speaks directly to the camera, explaining that a car crash has taken his life and that the afterlife he’s in isn’t about being a ghost who haunts walls or moves objects. Instead, he’s ushered into a waiting zone called a re-start centre, where two “carers” guide him through group counselling that pushes positive thinking. Martin tries to fake optimism, and another dead person befriends him, after which the two are assigned roles as carers in a hospital to help guide newly deceased souls.
Full summary
The whole story of Up There, scene by scene
Up There Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Up There.
How Well Do You Know Up There?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which character speaks directly to the camera at the beginning of the film?
Seen Up There?
Movies Like Up There
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Air Up There, Up in the Clouds and Switch Up.
Up There FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, cast and post-credit scenes of Up There, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Up There?
Up There runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Up There released?
Up There was released on April 29, 2019.
Who is in the cast of Up There?
Up There stars David Stifel as Dad, Claudia Doumit as Tina and Kirk Fox as Greg, among 7 credited actors.
Does Up There have a post-credit scene?
No. Up There has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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