Camila Mendes (Riverdale) and Archie Renaux (Shadow & Bone) joined forces to bring to life Upgraded, the new R-rated romantic comedy that shines on Prime Video as the most-watched movie globally and in the United States, according to Flix Patrol.
Directed by Carlson Young, the film has joined the long list of romantic comedy productions that have succeeded shortly after their release. Despite debuting on the streaming giant just one day ago, it has already claimed the top spot in the Top 10.
Despite occasional criticisms for their predictability or simplicity, rom-coms have proven to be a lasting and cherished part of the film world, and this project, written by Luke Spencer Roberts, Justin Matthews and Christine Lenig, is no exception.
Upgraded ranked No. 1 on Prime Video worlwide
Upgraded has been one of the most anticipated romantic comedies of 2024, and now that it’s available on Prime Video, it’s happened just as everyone expected: it has become the most-watched movie on the platform just one day after its release, claiming the top spot globally and in the United States.
Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux in Upgraded. (Source: IMDb)
According to the metrics-focused site Flix Patrol, the film starring Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux has surpassed other major productions on the streaming giant, including Strays with Jamie Foxx, The Underdoggs with Snoop Dogg and Saltburn with Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan and Rosamund Pike.
The story follows Ana, an aspiring art intern who is invited on a last-minute work trip to London by her super boss, Claire. When upgraded to first class on a business trip, she meets the handsome William, who mistakes the young woman for his boss.
This white lie ends up triggering a glamorous chain of events, romance, and opportunities… until her lie threatens to come to the surface. Of course, chaos, great works of art, and beautiful landscapes were not lacking in the plot.
Like any good rom-com, the narrative had everything, but especially a connection and chemistry between the lead actors. Wit, intelligence, and well-written, humorous dialogues made the film have some memorable and entertaining romantic moments.
Mendes and Renaux were not the only big names in the cast, quite the opposite. The demanding boss is played by Marisa Tomei, while Lena Olin portrays Catherine, Anthony Head plays Julian Marx and Thomas Kretschmann takes on the role of Arnold Grant.
What did the critics say about Updgraded?
Although only a day has passed since the release of Upgraded, the romantic comedy with touches of drama and chaos has managed to capture the attention not only of Prime Video users but also of film critics.
Several writers from major media outlets wasted no time in sharing their opinions, whether sharp or not, and published on their respective entertainment sites what they thought of the new film. Well, the majority agreed that it wasn’t bad at all.
Ferdosa from Screen Rant was one of the first to communicate: “However, Upgraded, directed by Carlson Young and written by Christine Lenig, Justin Matthews, and Luke Spencer Roberts, is a delightful treat because, despite how simple it is, it actually seems to be crafted with care and aims to be a fun time. Though the comedy is hardly laugh-out-loud funny, this amusing romp about mistaken identity has plenty of great moments“.
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Adrian Horton from The Guardian gave it three out of five stars and wrote: “In terms of glorifying toxic bosses in rarefied London spaces, Upgraded is less serious (and more successful) than Bradley Cooper’s 2015 haute cuisine mess Burnt. It has more pretensions and makes slightly more sense than Emily in Paris. In true streaming economy form, it’s a smooth, ambient operator, made more memorable than it should be by a still underappreciated Mendes, who will hopefully upgrade to more headlining adults roles sooner rather than later“.
Courtney Howard from Variety stated: “It’s quite the feat to craft a satisfying, clever romantic comedy in this cynical day and age, given almost every meet-cute, situational shenanigan, and grand gesture has already been put to celluloid. However, ‘Upgraded,’ which initially appears to be a stereotypical rags-to-riches tale centered on a desperate gal’s life drastically improving after telling a white lie to a cute guy, keeps these expected elements fresh and vibrant“.
