The Upside (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom.
Rated PG-13 • 2019 • 2h 6m
The Upside is a dramedy about the unlikely bond between Phillip, a wealthy man with quadriplegia, and Dell, a parolee hired as his caregiver. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its depictions of drug use and mature, suggestive humor related to physical care. Parents should note frequent instances of coarse language and scenes involving medical care for a paralyzed patient that may be awkward for younger viewers. It is a… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Upside appropriate for kids?
The Upside is a dramedy about the unlikely bond between Phillip, a wealthy man with quadriplegia, and Dell, a parolee hired as his caregiver. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its depictions of drug use and mature, suggestive humor related to physical care. Parents should… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Upside
What happens in The Upside, moment by moment
- 0:20 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:45 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:47 💬 Language 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Upside
The film contains moderate suggestive content, primarily revolving around the realities of caregiving for a quadriplegic patient. Scenes include detailed discussion of catheterization, an implied accidental erection, and a flashback showing a man having sex with his wife. Additionally, there is a scene featuring hired escorts in a penthouse room, though no nudity is depicted.
Violence and gore in The Upside
None. The film contains no physical combat or gore, though a man has a seizure and a scene features a clumsy accident resulting in a spill of hot coffee.
Language in The Upside
Language is frequent and includes moderate profanity. Expect multiple uses of terms like 'shit,' 'ass,' and 'damn,' along with at least one instance of a strong expletive.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Upside
The film features recurring, prominent use of marijuana. The protagonists smoke marijuana on multiple occasions, often to manage physical pain, and are shown high on screen.
Mature themes in The Upside
The narrative deals with heavy emotional topics, including life-altering physical disability, suicidal ideation, and the grief associated with losing a spouse. There is also tension surrounding a character's criminal parole status and complex family dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Upside appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Upside is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Upside is a dramedy about the unlikely bond between Phillip, a wealthy man with quadriplegia, and Dell, a parolee hired as his caregiver. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its depictions of drug use and mature…
What age rating does The Upside have?
The Upside is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Upside about?
The Upside is a dramedy about the unlikely bond between Phillip, a wealthy man with quadriplegia, and Dell, a parolee hired as his caregiver. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its depictions of drug use and mature, suggestive humor related to physical care. Parents should note frequent instances of coarse language…
Is there sex or nudity in The Upside?
The film contains moderate suggestive content, primarily revolving around the realities of caregiving for a quadriplegic patient. Scenes include detailed discussion of catheterization, an implied accidental erection, and a flashback showing a man having sex…
How violent is The Upside?
None. The film contains no physical combat or gore, though a man has a seizure and a scene features a clumsy accident resulting in a spill of hot coffee.
Is the language in The Upside appropriate for kids?
Language is frequent and includes moderate profanity. Expect multiple uses of terms like 'shit,' 'ass,' and 'damn,' along with at least one instance of a strong expletive.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Upside?
The film features recurring, prominent use of marijuana. The protagonists smoke marijuana on multiple occasions, often to manage physical pain, and are shown high on screen.
What mature themes appear in The Upside?
The narrative deals with heavy emotional topics, including life-altering physical disability, suicidal ideation, and the grief associated with losing a spouse. There is also tension surrounding a character's criminal parole status and complex family dynamics.
How long is The Upside?
The Upside runs 126 minutes, directed by Neil Burger, released in 2019.
Where can I read the full The Upside parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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