The Upside - Neuro Notes #1

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Movie: The Upside – featuring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston 
Source: Amazon Prime Video - $4.99 (rent) 
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWw7rCHcduQ

The Upside is an American remake of the French movie “The Intouchables.”  This movie was based on a true story of a man who was became a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident. The movie starts out showing Phillip Lacasse and his assistant interviewing for the position of a life auxiliary. Philip, the billionaire who was paralyzed from the neck down after experiencing a spinal cord injury during paragliding, is needing someone to help assist him throughout the day. He ends up hiring Dell, a guy who only came in to get employment papers signed for his parole officer. Dell has no experience with working with disabled individuals which is quite comical at time. Throughout the movie we see the struggles Philip goes through with being paralyzed and the depression from losing his wife. Dell is determined to bring his life more meaning and joy. The movie goes on to show the relationship between Dell and Philip and the many struggles they encounter together. Though the movie is comical, it shows great insight of someone who is quadriplegic and the challenges they face. 

I chose to watch this movie because of the recent lectures over spinal cord injuries. The movie was really helpful in providing the physical and mental struggles of someone who is quadriplegic. Throughout the movie, Philip is seen working and going through several things we talk about in class like range of motion to prevent spasticity and contractures, depression, neurogenic pain, as well as sexual, bladder and bowel dysfunction. Dell becomes inspired while working with Philip and towards the end he starts a company working on wheelchairs, making them more accessible and comfortable for clients like Philip. 

 The thing that stuck out to me most about this movie was how Dell was able to turn his quality of life around just by engaging Philip in activities that were meaningful to him. Dell even convinces him to go paragliding again. Dell takes the time to get to know Philip and his values and what matters to him. It reminded me a lot of our job as occupational therapist. It’s important to get to know our clients and form that therapeutic relationship with them so we know what makes their life meaningful. So many individuals who experience spinal cord injuries struggle with depression and feelings of worthlessness. As occupational therapist, we can help individuals like Philip increase their quality of life by identifying what’s important to them and engaging them in those activities. I recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for that “feel good movie.” While it’s humor is entertaining, it provides great insight on the life of a quadriplegic. 

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