Camila Mendes, known for her roles in Riverdale and Netflix’s Do Revenge, finally steps out of the high school spotlight at the age of 29 in Upgraded, a frothy Valentine’s rom-com that blends a meet-cute with a Devil Wears Prada-inspired tale.
Directed by actor-turned-director Carlson Young, Upgraded marks a significant shift for Mendes, offering her the opportunity to portray a scrappy third-tier assistant with a master’s degree in art history, navigating the challenges of New York City while charming everyone around her.
In the vein of many teen-to-adult transitions seen in film, Upgraded delivers a story that would have once been a mid-budget studio production but now finds its home on streaming platforms. Drawing clear inspiration from The Devil Wears Prada, Mendes’s character, Ana, mirrors Anne Hathaway’s Andi—an ambitious young professional with big dreams and limited resources, navigating the complexities of the luxury industry.
However, Upgraded’s journey is not without its bumps. The film’s tonal shifts range from clunky camp to endearing fantasy romance, with the narrative oscillating between parodying the art world and embracing more naturalistic storytelling. Mendes’s character finds herself contending with an archetypical toxic boss, Claire, portrayed by Marisa Tomei, whose relentless demands and manipulative tactics challenge Ana’s resolve.
Amidst mishaps and misunderstandings, Ana embarks on a London work trip that thrusts her into a whirlwind of romance and professional intrigue. Along the way, she encounters Will Delaroche (played by Archie Renaux), whose charm and affability add depth to the storyline, reminiscent of classic rom-com tropes.
Clocking in at 104 minutes, Upgraded strikes a balance between escapism and substance, though occasionally feeling unwieldy in its execution. Mendes and Renaux deliver captivating performances, anchoring the film amidst its occasional lapses in logic and direction.
Ultimately, Upgraded succeeds as a charming addition to the rom-com genre, propelled by Mendes’s compelling portrayal and the chemistry between its leads. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it serves as a testament to Mendes’s talent and hints at promising opportunities for her in more mature roles in the future.