SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) — China’s summer blockbuster, Upstream, directed by and starring Xu Zheng, is making waves not just for its box office success but for its raw portrayal of the country’s gig economy struggles. The film, which topped the box office on its release Friday, offers a rare and critical view into the life of China’s low-paid food delivery workers, reflecting broader economic anxieties that have gripped the nation.
Upstream centers on Gao Zhilei, a middle-aged programmer who is laid off and forced into the perilous gig economy to support his family. As he transitions from a stable white-collar job to the high-pressure world of food delivery, the film exposes the harsh realities faced by millions of workers in this sector. With nearly 5 million viewers having watched it as of Tuesday, according to movie-ticketing platform Maoyan, the film’s impact is palpable.
Xu Zheng, known for his comedic roles, presents a stark departure from his usual fare. The film dives deep into the struggles of scooter drivers who deliver for China’s major on-demand food platforms, such as Meituan and Ele.me. These platforms, vital to urban life, have been criticized for their exploitative practices, including meager wages and grueling work hours. In Upstream, these issues are depicted with a level of intensity rarely seen in mainstream Chinese cinema.
The film’s timing is significant, arriving amid a period of economic uncertainty and public discontent. China’s economy has been struggling with deflationary pressures, and the real-life challenges faced by delivery drivers have sparked widespread concern. The film diverges from the typical genres of Chinese blockbusters, which often focus on historical epics, war dramas, or romantic tales, to tackle contemporary social issues head-on.
Upstream portrays the relentless competition among delivery drivers, who work long hours, sometimes exceeding 14 hours a day, and face penalties for late deliveries. The depiction of drivers racing against time, often cutting corners and risking their safety, highlights the harsh conditions that have become synonymous with the gig economy.
Ashley Dudarenok, a Hong Kong-based marketing consultant, commented on the film’s resonance with current societal sentiments. “It’s a rather realistic depiction of the psyche of many Chinese people today,” she said. “A decade ago, there was a strong belief that things would get better, but today that belief is fading.” The film’s exploration of these economic hardships reflects a broader disillusionment with the promise of upward mobility that once seemed attainable.
While the film features characters and scenarios that closely resemble real-life companies like Meituan and Ele.me, it stops short of directly naming them. A Meituan spokesperson declined to comment on the film’s portrayal, stating that the company was not involved in its production. Alibaba, which owns Ele.me, is listed among the film’s production companies, but the depiction of its drivers is secondary and not explicitly tied to the brand. Alibaba also did not comment on the film’s content.
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The film’s depiction of Gao Zhilei’s struggles, including accidents and clashes with security guards, underscores the everyday challenges faced by gig workers. The narrative reflects real incidents, such as a recent altercation in Hangzhou where a delivery driver was apprehended by security for breaching protocols. Such scenes resonate with viewers familiar with the harsh realities of gig work.
Online reviews of Upstream have been mixed. Some praise the film for tackling social issues that are often overlooked in Chinese cinema, with one viewer commenting, “It’s quite bold to address this subject.” Others criticize the film’s ending, which features Gao heroically meeting his delivery targets to cover overdue mortgage payments. Critics argue that the film’s resolution sacrifices authenticity for entertainment value.
Delivery drivers interviewed in Shanghai expressed skepticism about the film’s portrayal. “It’s not an industry for a normal person,” said Lin, a 37-year-old driver. “You have to race against time, sometimes risking your life in the final moments before an order is overdue.” While some drivers have no plans to see the film in theaters, they might watch it online when it becomes available for free.
Upstream provides a powerful commentary on the gig economy’s impact on workers’ lives, offering a stark reflection of current economic realities in China. As the film continues to draw attention, it may provoke further discussions about the need for reforms and better working conditions in the gig sector.
