THERE'S STILL TOMORROW

Wednesday, April 16 2025
There’s Still Tomorrow 2024  
Italy
Location: SilverCity
Showtimes: 6:30 & 8:45 pm


Director: Paola Cortellesi
Cast: Paola Cortellesi
Running Time: 118mins
Language: Italian with English subtitles 


Sydney Film Festival: Best Film; Rome Film Fest; Best Film; Golden Globes, Italy: Best Film; Aegean Film Festival: Audience Award; Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists: Film of the Year; 18 other wins, 20 other nominations.

“This is storytelling with terrific confidence and panache.”--Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

A black-and-white, neorealist-inspired tragicomic melodrama about a downtrodden wife in post-second world war Rome, “There’s Still Tomorrow” has won numerous Italian film awards. The film’s emotional heft, bittersweet comedy and tone of hard-bitten romance take centre stage.

A former sketch show comedian, director and star Cortellesi finds humour in tragedy: domestic tyranny, poverty, disappointment. This is a bold directorial gamble but Cortellesi’s charisma and the message of empowerment carry the film. Her approach recalls similarities to Roberto Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful.” 

Post-war Rome is grinding into recovery. There are still line-ups to shop for sparse food but outdoor markets are perking up. American GIs patrol the streets. Change is in the air.

However, there’s little change for Delia (Cortellesi herself) who lives with her boorish, controlling husband Ivano (Valerio Mastrandrea) and their three children. Delia cooks, cleans, raises the kids, and through odd jobs contributes to the household finances. Ivano takes every opportunity to disparage and belittle her. 

However, there’s a glimmer of comfort and hope. Her daughter has a promising marriage proposal. A GI expresses concern for her welfare. Wistfulness surrounds her encounters with mechanic Nino (Vinicio Marchioni) who might be the true love that got away. The film starts to build momentum as Delia finally plots to take charge of her own destiny.

Delia harbours a concealed document that may have a bearing on her future. Director Cortellesi plays on our curiosity for a suspenseful conclusion, adding impact to the film’s themes of empowerment on multiple levels.