Sydney Film Festival 2024: There’s Still Tomorrow (by Paola Cortellesi) | Review
Paola Cortellesi stars in and directs the top prize winner of the Sydney Film Festival, which might just be one of the best feminist drama films of the decade.
Delia hears the owner of a boutique informing a male customer that she’s all alone in her business and that there are no men supporting her. It was a shock for Delia, as it felt like a ringing in her mind to change her own standpoints. She received her daily wage from the owner and left the shop. However, she stopped for a minute to look at an elegant blouse on display. She admired it and looked at it as if it were meant for her and her only. She immediately ran back into the store and opened her small purse, which contained money intended for her husband. She paid the lady owner and walked out of the shop. Delia was a reformed woman now.
It has been a while since a black-and-white drama film set against a political background came out to lure in millions of spectators for an everlasting cinematic experience. Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma and Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast could be two examples that have touched on similar themes, while Schindler’s List remains an evergreen piece. Cortellesi comes into the loop of direction and delivers a spectacular presentation of women’s empowerment through the eyes of Delia (performed by Cortellesi herself), a multitasking woman caught between the freedom of choice and family responsibilities in the neorealism era.
Could Cortellesi be a reincarnation of Roberto Rossellini? The steering connection these individuals have toward making an impact through film is predominant and treasured here. Delia makes us fathom that the true meaning of a leader doesn’t always follow the rule of thumb in political positions; it could come from the vicinity of a home filled with family members. Cortellesi spins golden wool through her expertise and dedication, offering a masterful look at gender equality and surviving male dominance in a tender yet spellbinding manner.
The ultimate question is, what makes Cortellesi a standout filmmaker and actor deserving of all the attention and acclaim for her transformational work? An extraordinary performance by Cortellesi, blending love, fondness, womanhood, responsibilities, and subsistence, could mark a beacon of strength for many. Delia’s journey has multiple layers of transformation that seep into our core of courage, reminding us that the film remains fresh and significant even in this century. Cortellesi’s adept technique of camouflaging violence through a projection of musicals and monologues is impactful and often brings out an unsettling vibe that stays with us. Besides highlighting poverty and desperation, Cortellesi gives us a tour of cultural acceptance beyond language barriers and allows us to embrace life’s little joys beyond luxuries. Even a small bar of chocolate immerses Delia into her realm of happiness, showing us the depth of her sadness.
There’s Still Tomorrow is all about Delia and Cortellesi, and that is the charm that hooks us throughout the viewing experience. This film is not just an eye-opener and celebration of time and history but a tailor-made piece that passionately represents an honest portrayal of women enduring oppression in the backdrop of political upheaval. It is organized and molded to be kept as a souvenir in the form of a soulful memory in our minds, capable of being tattooed permanently within us.
Speaking of memories, the film brought back my own memory of watching Stromboli with my late grandma, which is a blessing in disguise for what I would call this film, ‘one of the best films of the decade on true feminism.’
Explore our coverage of the 71st Sydney Film Festival, which ran from June 5-16, 2024.
