Unexpected Relationships: What The Upside is trying to tell its audience

Most people know of Bryan Cranston from a more suspenseful background like Breaking Bad, but he's also been involved in some lighthearted comedies, like Malcom in the Middle and The Upside. Directed by Neil Burger, The Upside was released in 2019, Based on a true story, it tells the story of a quadriplegic who needs a caregiver to help him with his day-to-day routine. 

Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston) was involved in an incident while paragliding, which leaves him paralyzed. Unable to do his daily tasks without someone helping him, so he starts to look for someone to help take care of him. Over time, he doesn't find any enjoyment in living anymore. On a cruel note, he decided to pick the worst caregiver available. He hires Dell (Kevin Hart), a struggling parolee; who is trying, but failing, to reconnect with with his ex and young son. 

While watching the movie, I figured that Dell and Phillip would never get along; I was very wrong. These guys were complete opposites, and neither of them wanted to bond with the other. It's evident throughout the beginning that Dell hated his job, and Phillip didn't want him there. They had one thing in common: they hated how their lives were going at that current moment. 

As the movie goes on, Dell starts to get through to Phillip, and you start to see some spark from both of them. It suddenly turns from Phillip hating his life, to laughing and joking around whenever Dell is around. They started encouraging the other to try new things, and while doing this they both found joy in living again. The movie ends on a high note of both guys learning that life is supposed to be fun, and they try to find joy in every moment. 

I feel like this movie is a great example of how unexpected relationships can end up changing your life for the better. Both of them thought their life was over, but able to show that there are things worth living for, and you have time to make a change for the better. Certain people get put into our own lives, and we assume that there's no reason behind it and that nothing will come of it. 

I think it's the people that are different from you who actually challenge you to become a better version of yourself, and realize things about yourself that you hadn't seen before. If you're always surrounded by people who are the exact same as you, there's no room for growth. This movie taught me that I have to put myself into an uncomfortable situation if I want grow and find happiness in the little things.