by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What else can be produced when it comes to films shot during lockdown of the pandemic? There have been a slew of films that have tried to capitalize on technology to still be creative during a challenge for all of humanity. Others may have been inspired to come up with stories based on their own challenges of living through those isolating times. Relationships were challenged. Dynamics were shaken up. Life was turned upside down. Many creators took that experience and made cinematic tales from it.
What does writer/director Cecilia Miniucchi have to convey from the isolated world of the pandemic? In Life Upside Down, three individuals face the crumbling of their relationships with others through the uncertainty and restricted life with COVID-19. Miniucchi is drawing upon relatable and impactful ideas and experiences as living in a place restricted and isolated with your loved ones can grow many challenges. Life Upside Down draws upon those relatable experiences, which can go a long way in terms of engaging an audience.
But have we been here before? Plenty of directors and writers have drawn upon the pandemic over the last few years to deliver films that hit a little too close to home. COVID-19 is still affecting many people, even if the lockdown is behind us. It is one thing to have your finger on the pulse of life, and another to hit on triggering experiences that are still fresh wounds. I feel like I personally am overloaded with these “pandemic dramas.” There are also filmmaking limitations that must be overcome with the lockdown and how things are created. You must give credit to someone who was able to problem solve and create during this time, but that doesn’t mean those low budgets, limited media for filming, and staged dynamics won’t harm the final product.
Do the story and characters help overcome those visible shortcomings when it comes to the creation of Life Upside Down? The script does present a few complex and dynamic connections that are intriguing to watch. These relationships and the shocks that shake them go a long way to keep the audience engaged for the modest 88-minute runtime. Some of the characters are relatable, and we can understand their struggles, while others feel a little too “at a distance,” which is potentially isolating and might repel the audience. But overall, the film presents mature, middle-aged scenarios that are human and impactful.
What is the biggest strength for Life Upside Down? The cast. You do have Bob Odenkirk, which is a great asset to have for your film. Odenkirk’s effortless charm makes him dynamic on screen, despite his character being written in a frustrating way. Danny Huston is another big name on screen here who brings plenty of charisma, which draws you into his character’s plight. But the real standout here is Radha Mitchell. She is saddled with a hard job of being “the other woman.” But Mitchell draws the audience in and shifts the connection in a genuine way, leaving us rooting for her in the end.
Does Miniucchi deliver a new lockdown-style film that stands out? The relationships and performances are what keep you here. The film is not the most unique, nor does it capitalize on its restrictive filming approach, but it does deliver enough to make the audience engaged from start to finish.
Score: 6/10
Life Upside Down will be released on January 27
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