Review: Girl Upstairs (2024)

Holly Blair - Girl Upstairs

Agoraphobia has been used quite often in film. The idea of being afraid of the outside world presents an opportunity to explore different aspects of human nature. It is also something that I think resonates with more people after the pandemic. Girl Upstairs is about Dulce, a successful artist who has a major case of agoraphobia. She lives a secluded life in an apartment above a movie theater, with her only human interaction being with her agent on the phone. In a recent shipment of art supplies, Dulce finds a number of rolled up skins. Her agent sent them to her for inspiration. Dulce discovers that what she paints on the skins will come to life. Soon, she has two new friends to keep her company. Unfortunately, one of her new companions does not share in Dulce’s desire to stay away from the outside world. Things take a dark turn as the drive to explore the world outside overrides Dulce’s insistence to stay inside.

Gustavo Centra & Holly Blair - Girl Upstairs

Director Kevin Van Stevenson gives us a dark, slowly burning drama that will keep you intrigued with unpredictability. As we learn more about the main character, you'll come to understand how suffering a very traumatic event as a child can affect a person later in life. Dulce is a complex character played perfectly by Holly Blair. Blair shows a full range of emotion, from the childlike delight at the sight of her crush, to the torment she feels from her past, and the deep-seated fear of the outside world. Child-like is also a good way to describe Gustavo Centra’s Webster. This is the first creation to come to life, and he is almost a blank canvas. Dulce takes it upon herself to teach her new companion about the basics of being human. The interaction he has with Dulce reminded me a bit of the interaction between Edward Scissorhands and Kim, Winona Ryder’s character in that movie. Dulce seems to have a subconscious joy in having control over Webster. She discourages him from going out into the world and he complies. This dynamic gets upheaved when Webster asks for Dulce to bring one of her other paintings to life; a portrait of a woman Dulce names Mimi.

Sara Catherine Bellamy - Girl Upstairs

Sara Catherine Bellamy is Mimi, who is completely the opposite of Webster. She learns quicker, has her own ideas, is confident and defiant. Mimi also has a darker, devilish side. I loved how Bellamy was able to convey this through her facial expressions as well as her line delivery. There is a scene involving the three having dinner where Mimi is so mischievous that she gets Webster into trouble. The look on her face as she did it was chilling. It is left to the audience to decide why Mimi is more advanced in development when compared to Webster. I think it is because the Mimi painting has been around longer. It was a painting that Dulce talked to often, sometimes even insulted. Mimi’s drive to see the outside world changes the power structure between the three, culminating in a shocking yet thought provoking ending.

Girl Upstairs is not going to be for those looking for a high-tension drama or dark thriller. This one is for the fans of character-driven slow-burns that keep you guessing until the end and beyond. There are no fancy special effects, save for some wonderful practical gimmicks at the end. The strength of the film comes from the solid performances by the three principal actors and the clever direction of Stevenson, making it worth a watch.

You can check out the trailer for Girl Upstairs below and see it on Tubi now.