When Tomorrow begins, you almost want to rush to the credits to see if this is an unreleased Pixar short. The kind Disney plays in conjunction with their theatrical releases. That’s how polished and rich writer/director Aryasb Feiz’s Oscar-qualifying animated film looks.
The setting is 1970s Iran. Life is tough on the streets, and a 10-year-old boy finds himself struggling to get by, all the while caring for his ailing father. Scavenging for life-saving medication his father desperately needs, he finds himself at odds with an upset shopkeeper. Unbeknownst to him, a stray dog’s friendship is about to drastically transform his life.
Feiz’s direction lays solid groundwork for a story of survival, even if its message can get a little off track with how it frames its supposed protagonist-antagonist dynamic. The boy needs supplies for his dad to survive; that much is established, but he goes about getting it by stealing. The shopkeeper himself is no saint in his own right, clearly having access to all sorts of goods that he overcharges customers for. However, the decision to have the boy pickpocket both the shopkeeper and other street vendors seems ill-suited for the film’s more positive themes. Muddying the waters even further is the lack of dialogue, which leaves a lot of guesswork to the audience.
We discover that the father needs the medicine on a daily basis, necessitating the young boy to go out and obtain it again ‘tomorrow.’ Perhaps the film’s message is survival at any cost—even one’s own moral compass.
Even still, what immediately stands out is, of course, the world-class 3D animation. Fluid character movements and detailed textures contrast against the otherwise gritty atmosphere of the city, with impactfully realized snippets of Persian culture peppered throughout the landscape. These locations all play host to a handful of fierce sequences where it isn’t exactly clear if the boy will be able to get what he needs to save his father. This is where Tomorrow excels, consistently creating tension and release, making it a compelling watch. And, like with most films in its genre, it’s difficult to deny the sincerity and warmth between the boy and his new best friend. Especially when the visuals are so strong and the accompanying soundtrack by Fereydoon Bahrami works so well when paired with what is on screen.
While message-driven storytelling isn’t the film’s strongest suit, you’ll definitely find yourself engrossed by Tomorrow’s impressive 3D animation and a plethora of heartfelt moments.
