The Upside
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.
Despite a mid-range budget of $37.5M, The Upside became a box office success, earning $125.0M worldwide—a 233% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Upside (2019) reveals meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Neil Burger's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 6 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Dell Scott speeds through New York streets in a luxury car, fleeing police. We see a man living on the edge, disconnected from society, without purpose or stability.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Dell crashes Phillip's job interview seeking only a signature for his parole form. He has no intention of actually working, but his blunt honesty amuses Phillip in a room full of overly qualified, pitying candidates.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 31 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Dell makes the active choice to fully commit to the job after successfully handling his first real emergency (Phillip's catheter crisis). He chooses to stay rather than quit, entering the world of caregiving., moving from reaction to action.
At 64 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat False victory: Phillip successfully goes on a date with Lily (pen pal), with Dell's encouragement. They celebrate their friendship working. Dell is making money, reconnecting with his son. Everything seems to be working perfectly., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 93 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Dell is fired after Yvonne discovers the stolen book. The friendship "dies." Dell returns to his old life, losing the purpose and connection he found. Phillip retreats into isolation, refusing new caregivers., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 101 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Dell learns that Phillip is considering assisted suicide. This revelation makes Dell realize the stakes of their friendship and prompts him to take action. He understands Phillip needs him not as an employee, but as a true friend., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Upside's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Upside against these established plot points, we can identify how Neil Burger utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Upside within the comedy genre.
Neil Burger's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Neil Burger films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Upside exemplifies the director's characteristic narrative technique. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Neil Burger filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Neil Burger analyses, see Limitless, Divergent and The Illusionist.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Dell Scott speeds through New York streets in a luxury car, fleeing police. We see a man living on the edge, disconnected from society, without purpose or stability.
Theme
Phillip tells Yvonne: "Life's not a spectator sport. If watching is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without you." Theme of active engagement versus passive existence.
Worldbuilding
Flashback structure establishes Dell's world: recently released from prison, estranged from ex-wife and son, living with no prospects. Meanwhile, Phillip's world is introduced: wealthy quadriplegic requiring constant care, emotionally withdrawn after wife's death.
Disruption
Dell crashes Phillip's job interview seeking only a signature for his parole form. He has no intention of actually working, but his blunt honesty amuses Phillip in a room full of overly qualified, pitying candidates.
Resistance
Dell debates whether to take the job despite having no qualifications. Yvonne is skeptical and hostile. Dell undergoes trial period learning care duties, initially uncomfortable and resistant. Phillip tests whether Dell will treat him with pity or honesty.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Dell makes the active choice to fully commit to the job after successfully handling his first real emergency (Phillip's catheter crisis). He chooses to stay rather than quit, entering the world of caregiving.
Mirror World
Dell and Phillip begin genuine friendship. Dell introduces Phillip to Aretha Franklin, reconnecting Phillip to joy and emotion. Their relationship becomes the thematic heart: two isolated men from different worlds finding connection.
Premise
The fun premise delivers: Dell brings chaos and life into Phillip's controlled world. Opera hijinks, wheelchair racing, hot dog adventures, teaching Phillip to pick up women. Dell learns about art and culture. Both men begin to transform.
Midpoint
False victory: Phillip successfully goes on a date with Lily (pen pal), with Dell's encouragement. They celebrate their friendship working. Dell is making money, reconnecting with his son. Everything seems to be working perfectly.
Opposition
Dell's past catches up: his criminal associates pressure him. He begins stealing from Phillip to help family. Yvonne grows more suspicious. Phillip becomes more emotionally vulnerable about his late wife. The stakes of their friendship intensify.
Collapse
Dell is fired after Yvonne discovers the stolen book. The friendship "dies." Dell returns to his old life, losing the purpose and connection he found. Phillip retreats into isolation, refusing new caregivers.
Crisis
Dell processes his failure, realizing he sabotaged the best thing in his life. Phillip sinks into depression. Both men face their dark night: Dell confronts what he truly values, Phillip faces that he needs genuine connection, not just professional care.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Dell learns that Phillip is considering assisted suicide. This revelation makes Dell realize the stakes of their friendship and prompts him to take action. He understands Phillip needs him not as an employee, but as a true friend.
Synthesis
Dell orchestrates reunion with Lily for Phillip, kidnapping him from his birthday party. Dell applies what he learned about genuine care and friendship. Phillip rediscovers hope. Dell demonstrates personal growth, using his street smarts for good. Their friendship is reaffirmed on new, authentic terms.
Transformation
Final image mirrors opening: Dell driving Phillip, but now as true friends, not employee/employer. Dell is transformed—connected to his son, purposeful, engaged in life. Phillip is alive again, dating Lily, open to the world. Both chose life over isolation.