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IMDb rating Visit page
IMDb rating 6.5
Critic rating Average critic rating
Critic rating 8.5

Reviews

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Critic Scott Tobias
rated 9

...another dense, sophisticated conceit into quasi-experimental marvel, as visually arresting as Primer was limited by necessity. T

Read full review at The A.V. Club
Critic Peter Bradshaw
rated 8

...is freaky and strange – and attempts a colossal synch-up between the digital and cosmic worlds

Read full review at The Guardian

Cast & Crew

Frank Mosley
As Husband
Frank Mosley
Director
Shane Carruth
As Jeff
Shane Carruth
Composer
Shane Carruth
Director
Amy Seimetz
As Kris

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upstream Color about? Toggle content

Upstream Color is a thought-provoking sci-fi drama that explores themes of identity, memory, and the interconnectedness of life. The film follows the story of Kris, a woman who is drawn into a mysterious life cycle involving an ageless organism and a series of strange events that challenge her perceptions of reality. As she struggles to assemble the fragmented pieces of her life, Kris discovers that her experiences are not unique and that others have undergone similar journeys. The film features a unique cast of characters including the Thief (mentioned in the credits), who harvests a type of larva with peculiar effects on the human mind, and the Sampler (played by Shane Carruth), a pig farmer who becomes obsessed with Kris's journey. Through their experiences, Upstream Color delves into questions about personal identity, the impact of outside forces on our lives , and the search for meaning in turbulent times. One of the central themes of Upstream Color is breaking cycles, as Carruth puts it, "Regarding the role of The Sampler, Carruth told io9 , "So the idea that they would find this pig sampler , or this pig- farmer/ sampler character, to be responsible for all of their problems - when, in reality , we off the audience see [ that], off the three people continuing this life cycle, the thief is definitely malicious , the orchid harvesters are definitely benign. Its the sampler who is interesting, but not necessarily doing anything wrong. He's an observer." The film's title, Upstream Color, suggests the idea of moving against the current , swimming upstream towards a source. It's fitting , given that many scenes show Kris floating in water or swimming . But it could also refer to something broader : the struggle to understand and break free from cycles of pain and suffering , both individually and collectively . Ultimately , Upstream Color is an intricate and emotional puzzle exploring how our experiences shape our identities . Through its unique blend od drama, sci- fi, and philosophical inquiry : it challenges viewers to consider their place in world and what might be possible for healing and peace when faced with trauma and uncertainty.

Where can I stream Upstream Color? Toggle content

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What movies are similar to Upstream Color? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Upstream Color include Interstellar, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Passengers, A Quiet Place, Her.