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Movie of the Day: There's Still Tomorrow (2023) by Paola Cortellesi

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Apr 19
  • 7 min read

Detailed Summary: Set in postwar Rome in the 1940s, "There's Still Tomorrow" tells the story of Delia, a working-class wife and mother who endures physical and psychological abuse from her husband, Ivano, a military veteran. Delia is the primary caregiver for their three children and Ivano's ill-tempered, bedridden father. She works various odd jobs to contribute to the household income, even secretly saving some money for her daughter's future. Despite her difficult circumstances, Delia dreams of a better life for her children, particularly her teenage daughter, Marcella, and upon receiving a mysterious letter, she begins to break traditional family patterns and aspire to a different future. The film is shot in black and white, reminiscent of Italian neorealism, and blends comedic drama with a powerful feminist message.

Plot Summary: In the aftermath of World War II in Rome, Delia is trapped in an abusive marriage with her husband, Ivano. She juggles household chores, caring for her family, and working various jobs to make ends meet. Her eldest daughter, Marcella, is engaged to a seemingly suitable young man from a wealthy family, which Delia hopes will secure her daughter's future. However, after receiving a mysterious letter, Delia begins to question her circumstances and envisions a different path, not just for herself but also for Marcella, ultimately taking unexpected action to ensure her daughter avoids a similar life of abuse.

Director's Vision: Paola Cortellesi, in her directorial debut, aimed to create a film that explores the lives of women in postwar Italy, gently touching on the topics of domestic violence and gender-based discrimination. Her vision was to tell a story of hope and female empowerment, showing a woman finding the strength to regain control of her own life and create a brighter future for her daughter. By using the style of Italian neorealism and shooting in black and white, Cortellesi evokes the historical period while infusing the narrative with a modern feminist perspective.

Themes:

  • Domestic Violence and Abuse: The film unflinchingly depicts the physical and emotional abuse Delia suffers at the hands of her husband, highlighting the widespread acceptance of misogyny in the postwar era.

  • Female Empowerment and Resilience: Despite the oppression she faces, Delia demonstrates strength and determination in seeking a better future for herself and her daughter, ultimately breaking free from traditional patterns.

  • Mother-Daughter Relationships: The bond between Delia and Marcella is central, with Delia's actions driven by her desire to prevent her daughter from experiencing the same fate.

  • Social Inequality and Class: The film contextualizes the feminist themes within the stark economic inequalities of postwar Italy and the social dynamics of the time.

  • Hope and the Possibility of Change: Despite the difficult circumstances, the film offers a message of hope, suggesting that even in oppressive environments, there is still the potential for positive change and a brighter future.

Key Success Factors:

  • Paola Cortellesi's Directorial Debut and Performance: Cortellesi's strong vision as a director and her compelling portrayal of Delia have been widely praised.

  • Blending of Neorealism with Modern Themes: The film effectively uses the aesthetic of postwar Italian cinema to tell a story with contemporary feminist resonance.

  • Addressing a Relevant and Timely Issue: The film's exploration of domestic violence and the fight for women's rights continues to be relevant today.

  • Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception: The film was the highest-grossing film in Italy in 2023, surpassing even "Barbie," and has received positive reviews from both Italian and international critics.

  • Numerous Awards: The film has won multiple prestigious awards, including several Italian Academy Awards (David di Donatello Awards) and accolades at international film festivals.

Summary Short: In postwar Rome, a working-class wife endures abuse while secretly plotting a better future for her daughter, leading to an unexpected act of empowerment.

Awards and Nominations: "There's Still Tomorrow" has received significant recognition, winning 6 Italian Academy Awards (David di Donatello Awards) including Best New Director, Best Actress for Paola Cortellesi, Best Original Screenplay, David Audience Award, David Youth Award, and Best Supporting Actress for Emanuela Fanelli. It also won the Dragon Award for Best International Film at the Gothenburg Film Festival, the Progressive Cinema Award, Audience Award, and Best First Feature Award at the Rome Film Festival, the Sydney Film Prize at the Sydney Film Festival, and the Audience Award and Eurimages Audentia Award at the Norwegian International Film Festival. The film was nominated for Best Film at the David di Donatello Awards.

Critics Reception: The film has garnered positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 89% positive rating based on 36 reviews, with an average rating of 7.4/10. Jonathan Romney of the Financial Times described it as "a thoughtful, emotionally satisfying, immensely entertaining one-off, with an ending that smartly dynamites our expectations." 1  Critics have praised its direction, screenplay, and the performances of the cast, particularly Paola Cortellesi, Valerio Mastandrea, and Romana Maggiora Vergano.   

Reviews:

  • IMDb User Reviews: Many users have praised the film as a masterpiece, highlighting its brilliant story, great acting, and the way it blends irony with dramatic moments.

  • awfj.org (Alliance of Women Film Journalists): Called it an inventive and assured blend of neorealism, fantasy, and darkly comedic drama to tell a powerful feminist story.

  • Screen Daily: Noted its unlikely success, driven by an astute marketing campaign, and praised its ability to bring back older audiences to Italian cinemas.

  • Rough Cut: Found warmth and humor amid the tragedy, highlighting the compelling mother-daughter relationship and the film's use of anachronistic music.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: "There's Still Tomorrow" has been widely praised for its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and its effective blend of comedy and drama while addressing serious issues of misogyny and female empowerment in postwar Italy. Critics have also lauded Cortellesi's directorial debut and the film's surprising and impactful ending.

Box Office: "There's Still Tomorrow" was a phenomenal box office success in Italy, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023 in the country with €32.4 million, surpassing "Barbie." Worldwide, the film has grossed $50,108,853. In the US & Canada, it has grossed $174,389.

Production: "There's Still Tomorrow" is an Italian period comedy-drama film co-written and directed by Paola Cortellesi in her directorial debut. It was produced by Wildside and Vision Distribution. The film was shot in black and white in the neorealist style of the 1940s and 50s.

Production Companies:

  • Wildside (Italy)

  • Vision Distribution (Italy)

Sales Companies:

  • Vision Distribution handles the international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies:

  • Vision Distribution (Italy)

  • Universal Pictures International France (France)

  • Bteam Pictures (Spain)

  • Vue (UK & Ireland)

  • Greenwich Entertainment (USA)

Release Date:

  • Theatrical Release: The film premiered at the Rome Film Festival on October 18, 2023, and was released in Italy on October 26, 2023. It was subsequently released in France on March 13, 2024, in Spain on April 26, 2024, in the UK and Ireland on April 26, 2024, and had a US release starting in March 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

  • For a Powerful Story of Female Empowerment: It's an inspiring and moving tale of a woman finding her strength in a patriarchal society.

  • For Its Unique Blend of Comedy and Drama: The film manages to address serious issues with moments of humor and irony.

  • For Its Stunning Black-and-White Cinematography: The visual style evokes the era and adds to the film's atmosphere.

  • For the Award-Winning Performances: Paola Cortellesi and the entire cast deliver exceptional performances.

  • For Its Critical Acclaim and Audience Success: It's a film that has resonated with both critics and viewers worldwide.

Why to Watch Movie:

  • To Experience a Different Perspective on Postwar Italy: The film offers a nuanced look at the lives of working-class women during this period.

  • To See a Directorial Debut from a Talented Actress: Paola Cortellesi proves to be a gifted filmmaker.

  • For a Film That Tackles Important Social Issues with Grace and Wit: It's a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

  • To Discover One of Italy's Most Successful and Acclaimed Films of Recent Years: Its box office success speaks to its broad appeal.

What Movie Trend film is following:

  • Period Dramas with a Contemporary Lens: Set in the past, the film addresses themes that continue to be relevant today.

  • Female-Directed Films Gaining International Recognition: Cortellesi joins a growing number of female directors achieving critical and commercial success.

  • Black-and-White Films Making a Comeback: The choice to shoot in black and white adds to the film's artistic and thematic impact.

What Big Social Trend is following:

  • Increased Awareness and Discussion of Domestic Violence and Gender Inequality: The film contributes to the ongoing global conversation about these critical issues.

  • Celebration of Female Strength and Resilience: Delia's story is a testament to the enduring power of women in the face of adversity.

Final Verdict: "There's Still Tomorrow" is a remarkable and deeply resonant film that marks an impressive directorial debut for Paola Cortellesi. Set against the backdrop of postwar Rome, it beautifully blends comedy and drama to tell a powerful story of female resilience and empowerment in the face of abuse. With its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and timely themes, it's a must-watch film that has captivated audiences and critics alike, proving that even in the darkest of times, hope and the possibility of a better future endure.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

  • Consider Blending Genres to Enhance Storytelling: The film's effective use of comedy and drama makes its serious themes more accessible.

  • Don't Underestimate the Power of Black-and-White Cinematography: It can create a strong sense of atmosphere and visual impact.

  • Focus on Character Development and Strong Performances: Delia's journey and Cortellesi's portrayal of her are central to the film's success.

  • Address Socially Relevant Issues with Sensitivity and Insight: The film tackles domestic violence with nuance and avoids gratuitousness.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

  • Support and Promote Female Directors: Cortellesi's success highlights the importance of providing opportunities for women behind the camera.

  • Recognize the Global Appeal of Human Stories: Despite being set in a specific time and place, the film's themes resonate universally.

  • Don't Shy Away from Films That Tackle Difficult Subjects: When handled with care and skill, these stories can have a significant impact on audiences.

  • Invest in Astute Marketing Campaigns for Independent and International Films: The success of "There's Still Tomorrow" in Italy demonstrates the power of effective promotion.


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