Upright: Why this series insider tip inspires worldwide

A road trip right into the heart: With "Upright" the journey across the country and to yourself is now also available in series.

Two weird and lovable characters on a road trip through the outback, seasoned with black humor, touching moments and a hopeful message. With "Upright", sophisticated dramedy is coming to Germany from Down Under on August 11th. Universal TV shows "Upright" every Tuesday from 9:00 p.m. in double episodes and as a German TV premiere. Why is serial import from Australia worthwhile? The answer is here.

Lonely together – that's what it's all about

His nickname may be Lucky, but Lachlan Flynn (Tim Minchin) is not blessed with good luck. The everyday life of the outsider is plagued by panic attacks, which do not make his almost impossible road trip across the picturesque and ungracious outback of Australia any easier. When fate then also presses the cheeky teenage girl Meg (Milly Alcock) on his eye, he sees the chances of reaching his goal at the other end of the country in time as finally failed.

Especially since the unequal duo are always facing new obstacles – from wild camels to suspicious police officers to musical rocker gangs. Lucky's screaming about how he deserved all of this is only outdone by his reluctant mate's question: Why the hell is he driving a piano across dusty nowhere?

Modern screwball comedy with a heart

In eight episodes of 30 minutes each, the secret of the piano is revealed and the friendship between the two outback outsiders is built. The latter succeeds so credibly, thanks to the two main actors Tim Minchin (44) and Milly Alcock (19). In the best manner of earlier screwball comedies, they verbally attack each other, only to gradually learn each other's motives, fears and wishes.

The Australian-British comedian Tim Minchin is considered a true all-rounder, has recorded several albums in addition to various stand-up programs. Minchin was last seen on the big screen in 2018 when he played Brother Tuck in the remake of "Robin Hood". As one of the screenwriters and series creators, he has now incorporated his love for music and bittersweet humor into "Upright".

As a congenial partner, the newcomer Milly Alcock was put at his side, who as petite Meg always scolds like a pipe sparrow. Her quick-tempered teenage demeanor can (much to her displeasure) however not hide the fact that she is on the run from her demons herself – and actually has a heart of gold.

Leading actor number three is Australia itself. Like no other place on earth, the location of the action is suitable for the feeling between the desire for freedom and the idea of ​​escapism, which road movies generally unite – from "Easy Rider" and "Thelma & Louise" to "Into the" Wild". "Upright" successfully captures the fascinating beauty of the continent Down Under over a total of around four hours and arouses the urge in this country to grab the car key and go on a journey into the unknown. Even if there are probably no kangaroos hopping across your path here.

The new favorite of the critics?

Outside of Germany, "Upright" is already very popular and is praised not least for its profound characters and the mix of drama and comedy. Parallels to "After Life" with Ricky Gervais or the award-winning series "Fleabag" by and with Phoebe Waller-Bridge are obvious. "Avengers" director Joss Whedon recently attested the latter via Twitterwhere he dubbed "Upright" as his newest favorite show since "Fleabag".

Like "After Life" and "Fleabag", "Upright" also manages to bring tears of joy and sadness to the eyes of the audience. But without letting this emotional roller coaster ride end at a low point for the characters or the audience. A feat to be appreciated.

Universal TV shows "Upright" every Tuesday from 9:00 p.m. in double episodes and as a German TV premiere.

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