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Up There

Name: Up There
Director: Zam Salim
Released: 2012
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2012

Director

Zam Salim

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Up There is a character-driven fantasy that challenges conventional expectations by focusing on the everyday aspects of the afterlife. It successfully subverts earthly hierarchies by placing its protagonists in a liminal space where social standing is irrelevant. The film leans towards a fluid interpretation of identity and morality, moving away from traditional Western institutional norms. However, it does not provide explicit representation for many specific identity groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does Up There have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores the relationship between Martin and Rash through subtle hints, suggesting a non-traditional dynamic without explicitly stating their identities.

How does Up There portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male duo that relies on emotional vulnerability and conflict rather than traditional masculinity. Female characters like Liz and the mysterious old women add complexity and disruption.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Up There?

Fair

Character names such as Rash and Chunky hint at a diverse cast, potentially representing various ethnicities or cultural backgrounds, though specific casting details are not provided.

How does Up There represent religion and culture?

Good

Setting the story in the afterlife emphasizes a secular or non-specific spiritual framework, moving towards moral relativism rather than adherence to specific religious doctrines.

Does Up There include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not include characters dealing with physical, neurological, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine stereotypes through a comedic duo that emphasizes emotional vulnerability.
Uses a secular afterlife setting to move beyond rigid religious or institutional norms.
Deconstructs earthly hierarchies and social status through its narrative structure.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide explicit evidence of queer identities or non-traditional romantic pairings.
Lacks representation of physical or neurological disabilities.
Requires more specific casting details to confirm the depth of its multi-ethnic potential.

Official Synopsis

Martin (deceased) is stuck in a dead-end job, welcoming the newly departed into the afterlife. All he dreams of is going 'Up There'. But his plans are thrown into disarray when he has to team up with the relentlessly chirpy Rash and together they lose a new arrival. The mismatched pair give chase and end up in a remote seaside town populated by cocky teenagers, sinister old women and the enigmatic Liz, who has 'suicide written all over her'. Can they stop bickering long enough to find the lost soul? Will Rash be reunited with his brother Chunky? And can Martin get back in time to finally get 'Up There'? UP THERE is a killer comedy about life, death and irritating friends.

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