I think they set it in this very specific world of art, which, even if it's not entirely accurate, it's specific. So within its own world, it feels developed.

The movie is unevenly directed, and some scenes struggle to clear even the low bar set by more polished streaming originals. But Young succeeds nonetheless in channeling the freshman thrill of plunging into an alluring adult milieu.

This is a story about women supporting women, especially across generations, and that’s what makes Upgraded resonate more than just a frothy rom-com would.

Young’s Upgraded employs art in a romantic comedy that also doubles as a film about business, nearly leaning into workplace drama, and I believe there is something commendable about how those ideas are offered to the audience.