Tomorrow

Sometimes we are only brought together by tragedy. Be that total strangers, old friends gone separate ways, or estranged family members, death and tragedy brings together, either once more or for the first time, people who have not spoken in a long time, or never even before. ‘Tomorrow’ depicts the gathering of three estranged siblings the night before their mother’s funeral, and though it is difficult to empathise with its characters, it is nonetheless nuanced in its depiction of a family torn apart by division.

Generally, the most heartwarming films are set at Christmas time. It’s a time for love and peace and happiness and goodwill between people, though this family has seemingly failed to get that message. There’s already an awkwardness in the air even just between the two brothers, Mark (played by Shaun Fagan) and Alex (played by Jack McLoughlin), as they decide what film to put on. The complaints by Alex over ‘Its a Wonderful Life’ are best ignored for those with a deep appreciation and love for that film, including, fortunately, Mark, who immediately comes across as the eldest, and most responsible sibling.

The mood is further damped by the appearance of their sister, Jade, who is played by Karly Maguire, who is, by and large, totally isolated from the rest of the family. Whilst Mark and Alex have maintained some sort of relationship - with Mark appearing to help Alex through his troubles with alcoholism and trying to set him on the right course - Jade’s relationship, especially with Alex, has completely deteriorated. Jade has moved away from her family, and created something out of herself, thriving in life alongside her partner, who is absent from the film’s proceedings. This, alongside pent-up resentment, has caused rift between her and Alex, who accuses her of abandoning her family, whilst she accuses him of dragging them all down.

The film, which is written and directed by Thomas Elliott Griffiths, is at its best during this mudslinging, as Griffiths ramps us the tension with cuts between Alex and Jade. Griffiths directing is fairly impressive throughout, solidly depicting the breakdown of this family. Though his script fails to create characters that endear themselves to the audience, the dialogue is nonetheless well written, and aids the actors, who all give great performances. Shaun Fagan is particularly impressive as Mark, giving a much more understated performance, which is by far the most moving.

Overall, ‘Tomorrow’ is a strong film by Thomas Elliott Griffiths, which expertly depicts a family divided by time and neglect.