Upgrade

Set in a near future, Upgrade follows Logan Marshall-Green’s technophobic Grey Trace as he’s implanted with an experimental computer-chip that essentially transforms him into a superman – with the narrative detailing Grey’s ongoing efforts at avenging the death of his wife (Melanie Vallejo’s Asha). It’s a solid premise that’s employ to watchable and occasionally enthralling effect by filmmaker Leigh Whannell, as the writer/director’s stylish approach to the somewhat familiar material ensures that there are few lulls within the movie’s 100 minute running time – although, by that same token, it’s hard to deny that certain portions of the midsection ultimately do drag and sag a little. There’s little doubt that the film benefits strongly from the initial emphasis placed on the relationship between Marshall-Green and Vallejo’s respective characters, with the pair’s ample chemistry together ensuring that Grey’s eventual turn towards extreme violence is resonant and satisfying (ie the film works best as a Death Wish-like revenge thriller). Grey’s quest is so compelling, in fact that the plot’s various other components aren’t able to fare quite as well, with the most obvious (and palpable) example of this Whannell’s decision to continually stress the comings and goings of a cop (Betty Gabriel’s Cortez) on Grey’s trail. Such concerns are generally allayed by an otherwise engaging vibe and a note-perfect (and impressively grim) conclusion, which does, in the final analysis, confirm Upgrade‘s place as a solid endeavor from an increasingly strong voice in the world of horror.

*** out of ****