The Upside

Phillip Lacasse, a wealthy and successful businessman, has lived a life of luxury in his opulent New York penthouse. However, his world is turned upside down, quite literally, when he suffers a near-fatal accident at the age of 39. The fall leaves Phillip severely injured and confined to a wheelchair, but more devastating is the loss of mobility in his upper body, rendering him a quadriplegic. Forced to come to terms with his newfound limitations, Phillip is faced with the daunting task of relearning how to live with his disability. One of the first challenges he faces is finding a suitable caretaker to assist him with his day-to-day routine. His previous caregiver has quit, leaving him with a significant gap in his care. As he begins to interview potential candidates, Phillip is drawn to Dell Scott, a charismatic and charming but also rough-around-the-edges candidate. Dell is a struggling parolee who has just left the prison system and is desperate to turn his life around. With a past peppered with mistakes and a penchant for getting into trouble, Dell seems an unlikely candidate to take care of a high-maintenance, quadriplegic boss like Phillip. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, Phillip and Dell are drawn to each other. Phillip is impressed by Dell's confidence, street smarts, and ability to connect with him on a level that his previous caregivers could not. Meanwhile, Dell sees an opportunity to reconnect with his estranged ex-wife, Yvonne, and their young son, Ben, who he had abandoned many years earlier. Dell hopes that by taking the job, he can earn some steady income, get back on his feet, and potentially win back his family's trust. As the unlikely duo begins to spend more time together, they start to form an unlikelier partnership. Dell proves to be more than capable of taking care of Phillip, going above and beyond to ensure his comfort and well-being. In return, Phillip begins to teach Dell new skills and ways of adapting to life as a caretaker. Through these experiences, they start to break down the barriers of their social class and find common ground. Their relationship evolves from one of employer and employee to that of unlikely friends. They start to share stories about their lives, their struggles, and their dreams. Through these conversations, Phillip gains a newfound appreciation for the world outside of his privileged bubble, while Dell begins to see the world through a different lens. He starts to appreciate the simple things in life, like the beauty of a sunrise or the joy of a cold beer on a hot summer day. However, their budding friendship is not without its challenges. Phillip's family and friends struggle to accept Dell's rough-around-the-edges demeanor, viewing him as unsuitable for the role of caretaker. Meanwhile, Dell's parole officer, a by-the-book woman named Muriel, is skeptical of Dell's ability to turn his life around. As they work together, the tension between these external forces builds, threatening to disrupt the fragile bond between Phillip and Dell. Despite these obstacles, the two men continue to grow closer, finding solace and support in each other. When Dell's past comes back to haunt him, in the form of an old nemesis who is seeking revenge, Phillip is there for him, using his wealth and resources to help Dell navigate the situation. Through this act of kindness and loyalty, the true nature of their friendship is revealed, one that transcends their differences and speaks to a deeper understanding of human connection. As the story comes to a close, Phillip and Dell have formed an unlikely but unbreakable bond. Through their shared experiences, they have learned to see the world in a different light, one that emphasizes the importance of friendship, empathy, and understanding. Despite the challenges they have faced, they have found a way to thrive, both as individuals and as a team. In the end, Phillip has discovered a new lease on life, one that is filled with purpose and meaning, while Dell has found a second chance at redemption, one that will change the course of his life forever.