Upstream Color
Performance & Direction: Upstream Color Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Upstream Color (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Upstream Color features a noteworthy lineup led by Amy Seimetz . Supported by the likes of Shane Carruth and Andrew Sensenig , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Upstream Color
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Upstream Color is a Drama, Science Fiction film directed by Shane Carruth. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Amy Seimetz.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A man and woman are drawn together, entangled in the lifecycle of an ageless organism. Identity becomes an illusion as they struggle to assemble the loose fragments of wrecked lives. The screenplay takes time to develop Amy Seimetz's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Amy Seimetz's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Upstream Color
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Shane Carruth, Upstream Color concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Amy Seimetz, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Upstream Color reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Upstream Color?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Amy Seimetz or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Upstream Color
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $100.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $444.1K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Upstream Color Budget
The estimated production budget for Upstream Color is $100.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Upstream Color
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Where to Watch Upstream Color Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeUpstream Color Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about Upstream Color age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Upstream Color is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Upstream Color is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upstream Color worth watching?
Upstream Color is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Upstream Color parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Upstream Color identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Upstream Color?
The total duration of Upstream Color is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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Critic Reviews for Upstream Color
After almost 9 years since Primer, Shane Carruth returned with his next film, Upstream Color. Once again, Shane played multiple roles in the creation of this film – producer (one of), director, writer, actor (one of), music director, cinematographer and editor (one of). The film was made with a tiny budget of $50,000, wow, talk about being efficient. The story is not a convoluted one like Primer, which was based on time travel. That said, it’s not very straightforward either. It does talk about some unreal patterns and could get hard to understand at times. Do give it a watch if you haven’t already.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
