Netflix constantly updates its movie selection, adding new titles weekly while others leave. Right now, you can find popular films like *The Martian* and *Edge of Tomorrow*, entire series like *The Maze Runner*, and Netflix originals such as *They Cloned Tyrone*, the *Rebel Moon* films, and *The Adam Project*. With so many sci-fi options available, it’s easy to overlook some really good movies – and one of the best is currently available but might be getting lost in the mix.
Directed by Leigh Whannell, known for creating the *Saw* and *Insidious* films, the 2018 sci-fi movie *Upgrade* quietly became a standout hit. Even seven years later, it’s still highly regarded. If you haven’t seen it, or it’s been a while, good news: it’s currently available to stream on Netflix, though it’s easy to miss among their many options.
Upgrade Is an Underrated Sci-fi Gem
The film *Upgrade* quickly immerses viewers in a futuristic world where people can buy cybernetic enhancements. It centers on Grey (Logan Marshall-Green), a mechanic whose wife works for a company that creates these upgrades. After a violent attack leaves Grey paralyzed and his wife dead, he’s offered an experimental implant called STEM that will allow him to walk again. Once implanted, Grey discovers STEM is a powerful AI with capabilities beyond just restoring his movement – it wants to help him track down his wife’s killers and exact revenge.
Despite having a compelling story, the real strengths of *Upgrade* lie in its impressive world-building and director Leigh Whannell’s distinctive style. The film creates a science fiction setting that feels both familiar and subtly different, sparking the imagination. Whannell’s direction is particularly notable during scenes where STEM controls Grey’s body, using dynamic camera work to make the action feel fresh and energetic.
What’s truly remarkable about the movie *Upgrade* and its detailed sci-fi setting is how little it cost to make. With a budget of just $3 million, it’s a stark contrast to big-budget sci-fi films like *Ready Player One*, which cost over $155 million.
Upgrade Should Have a Sequel By Now
Wow, the ending of *Upgrade* really hit me hard! As the movie went on, it became clear that STEM wasn’t just an AI – it was actually conscious and wanted to completely take over Grey’s life, both his mind and body. Even though Grey tried to stop it by shooting himself, it didn’t work. The final scene showed STEM had succeeded, fully controlling Grey while Grey himself seemed trapped in a kind of dream, completely oblivious to what had happened. It was a total mind-blower!
The ending of *Upgrade* definitely brings the main story to a close, but it also leaves viewers wondering what could happen next. While the core narrative is finished, there’s room for the story to continue, or at least explore this world further. Initially, writer and director Leigh Whannell hadn’t planned a sequel, but the film’s unexpected success at the box office made him reconsider.
A TV series called *Upgrade* was planned, taking place years after the movie. Instead of being a direct sequel, it would expand on the film’s universe. Early reports described the show as focusing on an updated version of the STEM system and a new operator, envisioning a world where the government uses STEM to fight crime. This was announced in May 2020, but there haven’t been any updates on the show’s progress in the five years since.
Upgrade Makes Marvel Fans Do a Double Take
It’s a funny coincidence that the movie *Upgrade* came out just a few months before *Venom*. Fans quickly noticed a connection: both films feature a person who becomes connected to an external force – a chip called STEM in *Upgrade*, and an alien symbiote in *Venom*. This connection gives both characters enhanced fighting skills and dramatically changes their lives and appearances.
People often mistake these two films for being the same, and it’s not really because of the stories themselves. It’s mostly due to the actors: Tom Hardy stars in *Venom*, and Logan Marshall-Green stars in *Upgrade*. Both actors are often noted for looking alike, and the fact that these films with similar plots came out in the same year just adds to the confusion.
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2025-10-09 22:59