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\u201cThere\u2019s Still Tomorrow\u201d is set in Rome after World War I, but it unfolds with timeless verve and romanticism. It\u2019s the directorial debut of the Italian singer and comedian Paola Cortellesi, who also stars. This feminist dramedy tells a story about domestic abuse \u2014 echoing still-timely concerns about violence against women and toxic masculinity in Italy<\/a> \u2014 in captivating, unexpected ways.<\/p>\n Shot in silky black-and-white and paying homage to the stylized working-class films of Federico Fellini, \u201cThere\u2019s Still Tomorrow\u201d follows Delia (Cortellesi), a doting mother of three who is regularly beaten and surveilled by her husband Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea). The cash she gets from her various odd jobs goes straight into Ivano\u2019s pocket, and should she drop a dish, leave the house without asking, or accept favors from the American soldiers stationed around town, there\u2019s hell to pay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The film never shows the batterings directly. In one scene, it\u2019s choreographed with the drama of a tango, and in most others, we take the perspectives of Delia\u2019s children or the group of gossiping housewives perpetually stationed in the courtyard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cortellesi, as both director and performer, doesn\u2019t sink into miserabilism. The beautifully built-out sense of place, populated by memorable personalities (Ivano\u2019s bedridden father; Delia\u2019s best friend, who runs a vegetable stand; the mechanic with whom Delia is in love), demonstrates the richness of Delia\u2019s life in an effortless balance of humor and tragedy. Bursts of slick contemporary pop music give an edge to her plight.<\/p>\n Crucially, the plot revolves around the future of Delia\u2019s teenage daughter Marcella (Romana Maggiora Vergano), who dreams of getting married to her wealthy boyfriend and leading a life unlike her mother\u2019s. Delia, whom Cortellesi plays with weathered charm, strives to save Marcella \u2014 and ultimately herself. This struggle is carried out with larger-than-life dramatics and touches of fantasy that make the film, for all its grim, real-life parallels, something of an escapist pleasure.<\/p>\n There\u2019s Still Tomorrow<\/strong>
Not rated. In Italian, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 58 minutes. In theaters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n