Have you ever had a first-class upgrade turn into a whirlwind romance in London?
Then you’re overdue, aren’t you?
The London rom-com Upgraded, starring Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux, hit Amazon Prime’s streaming service in February, sending us swooning for a meet-cute with a UK backdrop.
Camila Mendes in Upgraded. Image Credit: Paul Stephenson/Amazon MGM Studios
Where was Upgraded (2024) filmed?
Upgraded was shot exclusively in England, including various locations in London, though not all of the “London” scenes were actually filmed in the UK capital.
We’re treated to a lovely aerial shot of the Thames with Tower Bridge in full focus. We also get a good look at Westminster Palace, Buckingham Palace, The Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral as Ana drives into London.
Upgraded filming locations in London
Walk in Ana’s (or “Claire’s”) shoes at these Upgraded filming locations across London.
Tate Modern
Closest station: London Bridge
Two kisses in the same spot. The first, a steamy kiss outside of the Tate Modern, facing the iconic art gallery. The second is featured in the same montage, but doesn’t show the Tate; rather, the Tate Modern is behind the camera and the smootchers are set with their backs to the Millennium Bridge.
Bank Station
Closest station: Bank (London Underground)
Ana couldn’t have picked a better tube station to have her down-and-out suitcase drag through London. Bank Station connects to the Circle, Northern, Waterloo & City, and DLR lines that’ll get you nearly anywhere you want to go in central London.
Bow Lane
Closest stations: Mansion House (London Underground) | Cannon Street (London Underground)
Ana’s first errand takes her through the streets of London, with a backdrop of Bow Lane’s narrow street of shops and cafés.
Camila Mendes in Upgraded. Image Credit: Amazon MGM Studios
Upgraded filming locations in England
Upgraded left London behind for a handful of scenes.
The Mercer Art Gallery
Closest station: Harrogate
Ana had quite the speed-walk ahead of her when she had to go from her hotel in “London” to the London Erwin Auction House. The auction house scenes were filmed at The Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate, which is north of Leeds and roughly 3 hours from London King's Cross.
Royal Suite at Grantley Hall
Closest station: Harrogate
The scene where Ana pays a visit to Will’s mom’s home is depicted as taking place at the fictitious Carlton Hotel in London, but the scene was actually filmed in the Royal Suite at Grantley Hall in Ripon, North Yorkshire.
DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa
Closest station: Hornbeam Park
In Upgraded, the hotel Ana stays at may look like one of the best hotels in London, but it’s not — because it’s not even in London. The DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa in Harrogate was used.
Teesside International Airport
Closest station: Teesside Airport
We’re not sure what’s more impressive: the fact that they found a small airport north of Leeds to double as a New York City airport or that the flight operations continued alongside the production schedule. Teesside International Airport outside of Middlesbrough was the set piece for Ana’s NY airport scenes.
Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux in Upgraded. Image Credit: Paul Stephenson/Amazon MGM Studios
What to know about Upgraded
Upgraded should not be confused with the movie Upgrade starring Logan Marshall-Green, also available to view on Amazon Prime. These are two very different date night movies…
When was Upgraded (2024) released?
Upgraded premiered on Amazon Prime on February 9, 2024, just in time for Valentine’s Day. This new London rom-com is a great popcorn pick whether you’ve got a love of romantic comedies or if you’re just a fan of Camila Mendes.
Upgraded cast: who stars in the movie?
Upgraded stars Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux as the two characters who share a meet-cute. Marisa Tomei, Lena Olin, Anthony Head (Ted Lasso), and Thomas Kretschmann are featured in the supporting cast.
What is the Upgraded movie plot?
Upgraded finds overworked assistant Ana (played by Mendes) on a work trip to London. On the flight there, her seat is upgraded to first class where she meets the charming Will (played by Renaux). The two share a flirty flight in which Ana tells a little white lie; that she’s the director of an art auction house — the very same art broker that Will’s mother has hired for this trip to London.
Does Ana tell Will the truth in Upgraded?
Yes, Ana tells Will the truth in Upgraded, but only after she’s caught in her lie. A photo of Ana and Will’s mother is posted online with Ana labeled as the director of Erwin’s. Caught, she spills the beans to Catherine, then to her son Will, who feels justifiably betrayed and used. Would Ana have confessed the truth to Will had she not been outed online? We’ll never know.
Do Ana and Will end up together in Upgraded?
Try to act surprised: Ana and Will do end up together in Upgraded, as is the result of most meet-cutes in rom-coms. We’ll give it to the writers, though; Ana went back to New York and found career success while Will initially turned down a job offer in the Empire State. Six months after they parted ways in London, Will shows up at the 11th hour during her gallery opening, telling her that he took the New York job, but did so to be with her.
Upgraded ending explained
Upgraded ends as many of your favorite romantic comedies do: the lead gets their lover. After Ana’s exposed as the assistant, and not director, of Erwin’s auction house, Catherine cancels the auction, which then causes Claire to fire Ana. Catherine and Ana have a heart-to-heart, with Ana taking responsibility for her actions, and Catherine decides to go forward with the auction only if Ana heads the auction (which will net her a big pay day). The auction is a success; Ana’s confession to Will... not so much. He planned to move to New York for a new job and to be with her, but calls it all off after hearing the truth. Ana returns to New York alone and we fast forward six months to her first art gallery opening. Just before it ends, Will shows up, tells Ana he’s here to be with her, and they share a kiss before the credits.
Upgraded movie trailer
Will Upgraded (2024) get a sequel?
With the on-screen chemistry between Mendes and Renaux, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the two paired again. No spoilers here: from a story standpoint, there’s definitely room to continue the tale should Amazon Prime want to.
Upgraded and upgrades with Trainline
Looking to experience Europe like a first-class art broker? Upgrade your journey by purchasing first-class train tickets directly from the Trainline app. Then, settle into your seat and stream more romantic comedies, dramas, and steamy series with filming locations in Europe like:
📽️ The Holiday
📺 One Day
📽️ Notting Hill
Header Image Credit: Amazon MGM Studios
