Upstream Color Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman gets mind-controlled by a worm, then falls in love with a guy who also had a worm, and they bond over pigs and Thoreau, all while some dude records nature sounds – it’s basically a weird farm-to-table romance.

🍿 Upstream Color: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Thief and Kris

The film opens with a thief cultivating a blue liquid containing a worm-like parasite. He uses this to drug and manipulate Kris, a young woman, into giving him all her money and assets. During this process, he has her transcribe passages from Thoreau’s ‘Walden,’ blurring her memories and sense of self.

The Sampler and the Pigs

After the thief leaves, a mysterious figure known as the Sampler transfers the parasite from Kris to a pig on his farm. The Sampler seems to be collecting sounds and connecting the fates of these individuals to the animals. This creates a psychic link between Kris and the pig, blurring the lines of identity and memory.

Jeff and Shared Trauma

Kris meets Jeff, a man who has also been through a similar experience with the parasite. They form a deep connection, finding solace in their shared trauma and fragmented memories. The couple attempts to piece together their past and understand the forces that have affected their lives, leading them to question the nature of identity and free will.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kris (Amy Seimetz): A woman whose life is upended after being drugged and manipulated, leading her on a journey of recovery and self-discovery.
• Jeff (Shane Carruth): A man who shares a mysterious connection with Kris, having experienced a similar trauma, and together they try to rebuild their lives.
• The Sampler (Andrew Sensenig): A mysterious figure who manipulates the life cycle of an organism, impacting the lives of Kris and Jeff.
• Thief (Thiago Martins): The person responsible for drugging and manipulating Kris, setting in motion the events that unravel her life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thief: “I have to apologize. I was born with a disfigurement where my head is made of the same material as the sun.” – An absurd line showcasing the Thief’s strange, manipulative nature and his detached perception of reality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000
• Domestic Gross: $444,098
• Worldwide Gross: $587,174

💥 Upstream Color Reviews

Personal Review

I walked into this movie expecting something weird, but I wasn’t prepared for *that*. I’m still not entirely sure what I watched, but I know it made me feel things. The scene where Kris is cutting herself trying to remove the worms? Gut-wrenching! It’s stuck with me for days, and I keep finding new layers to it. Definitely not a popcorn flick, but if you’re in the mood for something that’ll mess with your head, give it a shot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent and experimental cinema”
  • “Viewers who enjoy thought-provoking and ambiguous narratives”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of identity, trauma, and interconnectedness”
  • “Fans of Shane Carruth’s previous work, Primer”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Carruth crafts a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating experience, though its abstract narrative may not appeal to all viewers. It’s a film that demands attention and rewards those willing to immerse themselves in its unique world. The performances are subtle but effective, adding to the film’s overall enigmatic allure.
• The New York Times: “Upstream Color is a film that is very much about mind control but also memory and the human condition of finding your place, though often confusing it has a distinct aesthetic that keeps you intrigued.
• RogerEbert.com: “A mesmerizing and haunting film that explores themes of identity, trauma, and connection. Carruth’s masterful direction and Seimetz’s compelling performance create an unforgettable cinematic experience, even if its complexities may leave some viewers puzzled.

Audience Reactions

The film’s surreal imagery and sound design left me mesmerized.: Viewers praise the innovative storytelling and its ability to evoke strong emotions.

I found the plot to be confusing, but at the same time strangely poetic.: Many people seem confused by the plot, but still recommend a watch.

Overall Consensus: Upstream Color is a divisive but thought-provoking film praised for its unique vision and strong performances, though its abstract narrative may alienate some viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Shane Carruth, who wrote, directed, starred in, edited, and composed the score for Upstream Color, self-distributed the film after its Sundance premiere.”
• “The film was shot using a hacked Panasonic GH2 DSLR camera, proving high-quality visuals can be achieved on a minimal budget.”
• “A Topiary, another film that Shane Carruth had begun production on was going to be his first film, but he decided to film Upstream Color instead. The film that Kris is editing at the beginning of the movie is A Topiary.”

🖥️ How to Watch Upstream Color?

Upstream Color is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. Availability may vary depending on your region. Consider supporting independent filmmakers by purchasing the film directly from their website if that option is available.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Upstream Color, you might like these similar films:

• Primer (2004): Also directed by Shane Carruth, known for its complex and non-linear storytelling, similar low budget and high concept themes.
• Pi (1998): A psychological thriller exploring themes of obsession and paranoia with a similarly independent, low-budget aesthetic.
• Mulholland Drive (2001): Shares a dreamlike quality, exploring themes of identity and fragmented memories with a surreal narrative structure that defies easy interpretation.

🛒 Upstream Color Related Products

• Upstream Color (Blu-ray): Own the film in high definition and experience the full visual and auditory impact of Shane Carruth’s masterpiece. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and commentary.
• Walden by Henry David Thoreau: Explore the philosophical themes that influence Upstream Color, and read a good book.
• Upstream Color – Limited Edition Poster: A high-quality print featuring the film’s striking poster art, perfect for showcasing your appreciation for this indie gem.
• Upstream Color: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Vinyl]: Experience the haunting and atmospheric score of Upstream Color on vinyl. A high-quality pressing for audiophiles and collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Upstream Color features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Arpeggio” – performed by Shane Carruth
• “Experiment” – performed by Shane Carruth

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

6 Movies That Still Don’t Make Any Sense To People

Ever feel totally lost watching a movie? This video breaks down “Upstream Color,” among others, that are famously confusing! I’m still scratching my head after seeing it, so I’m hoping this helps us both understand it better.

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