A disturbing film about AI is gaining popularity on Netflix and once again being compared to Black Mirror.
Despite the new additions to Netflix’s streaming library this month, it’s often the older titles that catch our eye.
Upgrade, the 2018 cyberpunk film directed by Leigh Whannell, explores the unsettling effects of an AI implant known as STEM on its host, Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green). This is undoubtedly the central theme of the movie.
Despite a reported budget of only $3 million, the film was a success upon its release, grossing nearly $17 million. It received positive reviews from both audiences and critics, earning an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Ever since its release on Netflix on May 16, Upgrade has quickly climbed to fourth place on the streaming service’s top 10 movies chart. The current ranking of the top 10 movies can be seen below:
- Madame Web
- Mother of the Bride
- Thelma the Unicorn
- Upgrade
- Shrek
- Dumb and Dumber To
- The Super Mario Bros Movie
- Shrek Forever After
- Anyone But You
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Upgrade has drawn comparisons to Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror due to its narrative involving computer chips implanted in the brain and its cautionary message about the potential perils of AI.
One viewer on X/Twitter commented, “I recently watched Upgrade on Netflix, it’s like a Black Mirror episode but really intriguing.”
One person commented, “Upgrade felt similar to a Black Mirror film, unlike the actual Black Mirror movie ‘Bandersnatch’ which was more like a legit Black Mirror movie.”
Upon the initial release of the movie, a Redditor noted that it shared a similar theme to what could potentially happen if technology is taken too far.
“They added that the journey to seek revenge for Grey’s wife’s death was wild, and the consequences it had on the end game were significant.”
“This movie is truly fantastic; while watching, you can clearly see the strong influence of Black Mirror and Blade Runner on the plot.”
Upgrade is currently available for streaming on Netflix. For those seeking new content to watch, there are new movie releases this month worth checking out. Additionally, you can find all the information we have on the upcoming season of Black Mirror, Season 7.
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