Worlds Apart: A Tale of Love and Gravity
In a world unlike our own, where two planets are locked in a gravitational embrace, a boy and a girl from opposing sides find love amidst the snow-capped peaks. Adam and Eden’s encounter sparks a chain of events that could redefine their reality. Adam, from the impoverished lower world perpetually drenched in dark rain, and Eden, a privileged resident of the upper world where life is literally upside down, defy the boundaries of their societies.
Keen observers might notice Kirsten Dunst channeling echoes of her past roles. Her character seems to navigate colliding worlds with the same intensity as Justine in “Melancholia,” while the upside-down kiss evokes memories of Mary Jane from “Spider-Man.”
The ambition to create a fantastical blockbuster with a budget of $60 million, where the authenticity of the fabricated worlds takes a backseat to 3D spectacle, is surprisingly bold. This is especially true when undertaken by a relatively new director like Solanas, whose portfolio mainly consists of short films and a drama starring Carole Bouquet. However, some of the most beloved science fiction has emerged from such constraints, where filmmakers compensate for limited technology with ingenuity and imagination.
“Upside Down” aligns with classic science fiction in the best possible way. Taking a visually striking concept, reminiscent of Christopher Nolan’s “Inception,” Solanas constructs a world that, while not flawless, feels remarkably alive. His attention to detail and insightful vision provide a constant source of delight for the viewer.
Fun Facts
- Before Jim Sturgess was cast, Emile Hirsch was considered for the lead role.
- Director and screenwriter Juan Diego Solanas began his career in cinema as a cinematographer.
Even without the central romance between Dunst and Sturgess, which unfolds in the style of a chaste, almost forgotten genre of young adult melodrama, the film offers a wealth of visionary moments. The most compelling of these arise from the intersection of Solanas’ inventive imagination and his passionate Argentinian temperament. “Upside Down” delivers a memorable metaphor for the burning intensity of love, a captivating tango scene, and, surprisingly, one of the best toilet jokes in recent memory.
Finally, even if sentimental visionary tales aren’t your cup of tea, Timothy Spall’s brilliant performance is a treat in itself.
While his presence may not be strictly essential to the plot, his quintessential British charm fills the gaps whenever the director gets carried away with painting psychedelic landscapes.