If heaven had a comment section, this show would be getting five stars for creativity and a demerit for the occasional celestial buffering. Did I binge season 1? Possibly… and Amazon has subtitles…
If you can... Imagine The Good Place meeting Black Mirror with a dash of Tinder. Our protagonist, Nathan, kicks the bucket and ends up in a luxurious digital afterlife. It’s like checking into a five-star hotel, only this one is hosted by an AI concierge that might have skipped a few hospitality training sessions. Or like… all of them?!
The show dives headfirst into the absurdity of digital paradise, where you can customise your surroundings but can’t escape auto-correct fails and constant software updates. The romantic subplot is like a pixelated soap opera, and the corporate conspiracy angle is more intense than your last software malfunction. Greg Daniels – the creator – serves up a cocktail of humour, romance, and existential dread, garnished with witty tech commentary. It’s probably right up your alley to be honest…
The afterlife has never been this entertaining. Sure, the upload might have some bugs, but who knew the glitchy side of eternity could be so laugh-out-loud funny?
But what about the actors?!
Robbie Amell as Nathan Brown: The charismatic Robbie Amell takes on the role of Nathan Brown, a witty and tech-savvy coder who unexpectedly meets his end in a car accident. As Nathan navigates the ups and downs of the digital afterlife, Amell’s performance brings a perfect blend of charm and humour to the character, making Nathan a relatable guide through the glitches and delights of the virtual realm. Also he was kinda hot in the Flash…. not to mention in runs in the family… Stephen Amell, anyone?!
Andy Allo as Nora Antony: In the role of Nora Antony, Andy Allo shines as Nathan’s down-to-earth and empathetic customer service representative in the afterlife. Allo’s portrayal adds depth to Nora’s character, offering a mix of compassion and humour as she assists Nathan in adjusting to his new existence. The on-screen chemistry between Amell and Allo enhances the emotional and comedic dynamics of the show. I think this is the first time I’ve seen her work and I really like it!
Allegra Edwards as Ingrid Kannerman: Allegra Edwards brings sophistication and complexity to the character of Ingrid Kannerman, Nathan’s girlfriend in the real world. Edwards skillfully navigates Ingrid’s emotional journey, providing layers to the character as her relationship with Nathan takes unexpected turns, adding a touch of drama to the comedic narrative. While I saw her on New Girl, I think she is a great fit for Ingrid.
Zainab Johnson as Aleesha: Zainab Johnson injects humour and authenticity into the character of Aleesha, a friend and fellow customer service representative in the afterlife. Johnson’s comedic timing and witty delivery contribute to the lighthearted moments in the series, creating a memorable and entertaining presence in the virtual world. Another first timer! I genuinely love her hair – I want the curls!!
Kevin Bigley as Luke: As Nathan’s afterlife buddy, Kevin Bigley brings a quirky and endearing quality to the character of Luke. Bigley’s performance adds a layer of comedic relief, and his interactions with Nathan provide both humor and heart, making Luke an essential part of the virtual community within the show. Have you seen Sirens?! OMG I loved it! He was funny in that too.
I digress…
The visual aesthetics of this show are as heavenly as the digital afterlife itself. The creators paint a vibrant canvas, seamlessly blending the glossy landscapes of Lakeview with the quirky charm of Nathan’s adventures. It’s a futuristic wonderland with a touch of Silicon Valley chic, where even the glitches seem to shimmer in high-definition splendour.
The cinematography doesn’t just stop at the picturesque backgrounds; it’s also in the little details that add a delightful layer to the humour. From the meticulously designed virtual environments to the facial expressions of characters navigating the quirks of their pixelated existence, every frame is a visual feast. It’s like watching a live-action cartoon set in the cloud, and the cinematographers deserve a standing ovation for bringing this digital utopia to life. A far sight from the computer-generated horror that was Renesmee… yes I’m looking at you – Twilight.
Now, let’s talk about the comedic moments — they’re the show’s secret sauce… the cherry on top of the virtual sundae. Upload isn’t just about the big laughs; it excels at the subtle, unexpected humour that catches you off guard. Whether it’s Nathan attempting to navigate the complexities of digital intimacy or the AI customer service chatbot delivering punchlines sharper than a quantum processor, the humour is as diverse as the afterlife’s customisation options. which, of course, are micro-transactions and I’m not going to rant about that because then this will be about 10,000 words long…
The comedic chemistry between the characters is another highlight. Nathan’s deadpan reactions to the absurdities of his new existence are priceless, and the supporting cast adds layers of humour that complement the overarching narrative. Upload doesn’t shy away from poking fun at our tech-dependent lives and the unpredictable hilarity that ensues when humanity meets artificial intelligence. Almost makes you wanna move to the tech slow country… almost.
In the end though, Upload isn’t just a show; it’s a masterclass in blending visual allure with comedic genius. So… whether you’re a tech enthusiast… a comedy connoisseur… or just someone looking for a good time in the great beyond, hit that play button, binge the first season and let the laughter transcend both the digital and earthly realms. Turn that brain off and watch the seasons unfold… there’s two more!!
Till next time.