---
title: "Upgrade"
year: 2018
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/upgrade-2018"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 500664
imdb_id: "tt6499752"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 100
community_rating: 7.5
vote_count: 5089
content_rating: "R"
---

# Upgrade (2018) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/upgrade-2018

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Upgrade is a 2018 film that follows the story of Grey Trace after he experiences a life-altering tragedy. Following a brutal mugging, Trace is left paralyzed in the hospital while his wife is killed. During his recovery, a billionaire inventor approaches him with a proposition for a potential cure. This solution is an artificial intelligence implant known as STEM, which is designed to enhance the human body. Once the implant is installed, Trace regains the ability to walk. However, he soon discovers that the technology provides him with additional capabilities, including superhuman strength and agility. Utilizing these newfound skills, Trace embarks on a mission to seek revenge against the individuals responsible for the attack that destroyed his life. The narrative explores the consequences of integrating advanced artificial intelligence into a human host as the protagonist navigates his physical transformation and his pursuit of justice. The film focuses on the intersection of medical technology and the personal quest for retribution following a violent crime.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A paralyzed man receives an artificial intelligence implant to seek revenge against thugs."

### Why Watch
- Features a dark, futuristic atmosphere
- Combines action and science fiction elements

### Caveats & Content Note
- Contains violence related to a brutal mugging
- Deals with a heavy storyline involving a tragic loss
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains depictions of a brutal mugging and violence.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: action, thriller, science fiction, dark, futuristic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Leigh Whannell
- **Networks / Studios**: Goalpost Pictures, Automatik Entertainment, Blumhouse Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Logan Marshall-Green** as *Grey Trace*
- **Betty Gabriel** as *Detective Cortez*
- **Harrison Gilbertson** as *Eron Keen*
- **Melanie Vallejo** as *Asha Trace*
- **Benedict Hardie** as *Fisk*
- **Linda Cropper** as *Pamela*
- **Simon Maiden** as *Stem (voice)*
- **Steve Danielsen** as *Jeff Handley*
- **Richard Cawthorne** as *Serk*
- **Christopher Kirby** as *Tolan*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the release year of Upgrade?
Upgrade was released in 2018.

### Q: What happens to Grey Trace in the beginning?
A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed and his wife dead.

### Q: What is STEM?
STEM is an artificial intelligence implant offered by a billionaire inventor.

### Q: What abilities does STEM give Grey?
STEM allows Grey to walk and provides him with superhuman strength and agility.

### Q: What genres does the movie belong to?
It falls under action, thriller, and science fiction.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*