Is The Upside woke?

Some light diversity or inclusion elements that feel natural and organic. Woke themes are subtle, non-intrusive, and fully integrated into the story without drawing attention to themselves.

Wokeness Analysis

The Upside (2019) is a remake of the French film Intouchables, centering on an unlikely friendship between a wealthy white quadriplegic billionaire, Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston), and his black ex-con caregiver, Dell Scott (Kevin Hart). While the film features racial and class diversity through its interracial lead duo and touches on themes like socioeconomic disparity, disability, and personal redemption, these elements emerge organically from the character-driven narrative without overt political preaching or progressive indoctrination. Critics note the superficial treatment of race and class, often comparing it unfavorably to Green Book for relying on clichéd buddy dynamics where the black character introduces streetwise energy to uplift the white protagonist, but this lacks the heavy-handed ideological push seen in more activist fare. Diversity feels natural, stemming from the true-story inspiration of a privileged disabled man hiring an unqualified parolee, leading to mutual growth: Dell gains responsibility and cultural exposure (e.g., opera), while Phillip rediscovers joy through humor, weed, and adventure. No explicit social commentary dominates; instead, the focus remains on universal themes of friendship, resilience, and human connection, eschewing lectures on systemic inequality or representation quotas. Some backlash arose over able-bodied Cranston portraying quadriplegia and Hart's past controversies amplifying a catheter 'gay panic' gag, but these are casting and comedic choices, not embedded woke agendas. The story prioritizes entertainment and heartwarming escapism over reshaping societal views, with light modern sensibilities like casual marijuana use integrated seamlessly. For audiences weary of forced messaging, this film's subtle inclusivity supports the plot without overshadowing laughs and emotional beats, making it a mild rather than intrusive example.

Plot

Inspired by true events and remaking the French hit Intouchables, The Upside follows Phillip Lacasse, a wealthy New York billionaire left quadriplegic after a paragliding accident that also widowed him emotionally as his wife died caring for him. Depressed and defiant with a do-not-resuscitate order, Phillip hires Dell Scott, a recently paroled ex-con with no qualifications, as his live-in caregiver purely to spite his uptight assistant Yvonne (Nicole Kidman). Initially clashing due to their vastly different worlds—Phillip's opulent penthouse life versus Dell's struggles with parole, an estranged family, and poverty—the pair forms a profound bond. Dell exposes Phillip to R&B, fast driving, marijuana, and irreverent humor, coaxing him back to life's joys, while Phillip teaches Dell responsibility, culture like opera, and the value of perseverance. Through mishaps, heartfelt talks, and adventures, they mutually heal, with Dell rebuilding ties to his son and Phillip embracing vulnerability. The comedy-drama blends laughs from cultural clashes with poignant drama, culminating in redemption for both.