AMC Networks’ streaming service Sundance Now features the Exclusive U.S. Premiere of the highly anticipated Australian drama UPRIGHT on Thursday, August 6, 2020 with the first two episodes and two new episodes available every following Thursday. Co-written, executive produced, composed by and starring internationally renowned Australian actor, comedian and musician Tim Minchin (Robin Hood, Californication, Matilda the Musical), and the Casting Guild of Australia’s 2018 Rising Star Award recipient Milly Alcock (Reckoning, A Place to Call Home), this 8-part series follows a shabby musician (Minchin) who has to drive across Australia with nothing but a piano, who finds his baggage soon increased when a runaway girl (Alcock) comes into his life. UPRIGHT is making its US Premiere with ATX Festival’s special virtual Q&A and screening of the first two episodes on Tuesday, July 21. Sundance Now is AMC Networks’ premiere streaming service for engrossing true crime, heart-stopping dramas and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world.
When family outcast Lucky Flynn learns that his mother is dying, he decides to drive to the other side of Australia to see her, packing nothing but an upright piano for the journey. His plans are soon turned upside down when he meets the runaway teenager Meg, who’s dealing with some family demons of her own. Together, they forge an unlikely friendship as they embark on a road trip adventure across the beautiful Nullarbor Plains in a race against time. Along the way, they encounter feral camels, a magical pink lake, highway thieves, cliff-top parties, a speed-loving truckie, an underworld fighting ring, suspicious cops and the world’s most musically appreciative motorcycle gang. Over eight hot days, Lucky and Meg drive, hitch and scam their way across the scorching desert continent – with the upright piano never leaving their side – on a journey that will ultimately make them both feel more at peace with everything in life that they’ve been kicking against.
A triple threat for his music, acting and comedy, Tim Minchin has a worldwide following, including fans like actor David Tennant and director Judd Apatow, for his diverse mix of acclaimed music, musical comedy routines, acting roles (Robin Hood), and Broadway productions (Matilda the Musical, Groundhog Day, Jesus Christ Superstar), plus millions of followers on social media. His first studio album, Apart Together, will be released later this year and features recently released single “I’ll Take Lonely Tonight.”
Exclusive Premiere: Thursday, August 6, 2020
Episodes: 8 (Two new eps released every Thursday)
