Tomorrow Before After

...what... I watched Alfonso Quijada's first movie The Whisper of Silence a couple of days ago and I had to watch his next movie! And... what? Is this guy for real? Where does he gets his ideas? Both films are rare... unique but as I get to know Quijada I see that he is either smoking some serious stuff or he is from another planet. I love this film. Natalia Reyes sure steps up as a solo actress, a long way from the generic Tim Miller Terminators ... no, this is another leve of performace. The art direction is impressive and I need to see more from the art director, Colombian Hernan Garcia! A film that requieres indulging its thought provoking agenda. Yes, agenda... for there way more behind that one can persive.

This is a saga and, I can definitely see this chapter as a Love it or hate it one. It is not everyone who would have the set of mind of sitting down to watch just a couple of characters interact and specially, watching one of them while she loses her mind due to bizarre yet, understandable situations.

I took this movie as an empathetic path of walking the characters' journey with her; as a human, as a woman, as a mother. Also, it is a game of wondering since you must keep your mind open to not getting all the answers.

We are used to all too fast, too full and, sometimes, too obvious content. This movie definitely has a different angle.

I can also appreciate a movie of this technical level being brought to Colombia with so much love. I had the privilege of listening first hand, at the Cartagena 62nd Film Festival, how this movie was shot during the pandemic and under quite extreme circumstances.

Particularly if the viewer is a fan of dystopian future/post-apocalyptic movies, Tomorrow Before After is a movie worth our time. The narrative is not spectacular, and although there is a message worth listening to, it is not groundbreaking insightful. What we are presented with, instead, is a heroine, alone, despondent, with fractured questions, perhaps, survivor's guilt and a character seemingly living in a day-to-day modus operandi that might just barely guarantee her and her unborn's survival. We sit and watch not only the decaying world our heroine lives in, displayed in Alfonso Quijada's wonderful cinematography, but where this world is visited by the wonderful acting of Natalia Reyes Gaitan's complex approach to her, frustrating at times, but ultimately likable character. The movie, although introducing, maybe unnecessarily, unanswered misteries here and there, is very likely a study of what life could be like, for some, if we as social creatures were to be deprived of that umbrella of protection we call "having someone to share our lives with, having company," and that alone is worth our time.

"Tomorrow Before after" is an astonishing post-apocalyptic film that delivers a gripping and emotionally charged experience. The film centers on the harrowing journey of a lone woman and her loyal dog, who are on the brink of sanity in a desolate world. The story takes a powerful turn when the protagonist discovers she is pregnant, forcing her to confront the enormity of her new reality and the hope she carries for repopulating the earth.

The lead actress delivers a stellar performance, portraying her character's vulnerability, resilience, and inner strength with remarkable depth. Her chemistry with the dog is heartwarming and genuine, providing a touching counterpoint to the harshness of their surroundings. The film's cinematography skillfully captures the bleakness of the environment while highlighting moments of profound beauty and hope.

"Tomorrow Before After" excels in its exploration of human endurance and the instinct to protect and nurture life even in the darkest times. The narrative is both haunting and uplifting, weaving a tale of survival, redemption, and the enduring power of hope. It's a cinematic experience that will leave audiences reflecting on the strength of the human spirit long after the credits roll.

More than a movie, Tomorrow Before After is an encounter with our fears, but also with our hope.

From the beginning to the end it makes us think on how self-destructive we can be, but also on the wonderful power we have to start over and transform our destiny.

The sound and its soundtrack become the perfect partner for Natalia, helping us to feel firsthand the internal struggle of the protagonist.

Apocalyptic locations, impeccable art direction and a great cinematography, show us that Colombia is a perfect place to produce movies.

When we reach the last scene of the film, we can understand that the end is nothing more than the opportunity to start over.