TOMORROW, MAYBE
Written and directed by Jace Daniel
Starring: Robert Blanche, Bethany Jacobs, and Grant Davis
A father-daughter bond and relationship can be an important foundation in a young girl’s development. Jace Daniel shows us what happens between his two main characters, Lloyd (Robert Blanche) and Iris (Bethany Jacobs) who have anything but an ideal father-daughter relationship in the new film “Tomorrow, Maybe.” This beautiful depiction of a father’s attempt to redeem himself after spending several years in prison will premiere at Dances With Films on Sunday, June 4th.
Lloyd is not going to receive the Father of the Year award, there’s no doubt about that. Going away to prison is the least of his transgressions in the world of fatherhood. He was rarely a part of his daughter Iris’ life even before that time. And now, being released from prison, Lloyd wants nothing more than to be forgiven by Iris and to be a part of her life. Iris, experiencing marital issues of her own, is understandably reluctant to allow Lloyd back into her life, but that bond between the two still hangs on by a thread. Her husband, Bobby (Grant Davis) is an abusive alcoholic who happens to be a police officer and the antagonistic behaviors challenge Lloyd to not cross any lines yet still protect the one thing he holds dear to him—his daughter.
“Tomorrow, Maybe,” creates a complicated story which typifies many of life’s possible situations. Lloyd is an ex-con and having paid for his crime, he remains unwelcome in social environments as well as the work force. He is a changed man, but leaving behind his past is impossible. He truly wants to be a better father, but when is it too late? The fallout that occurs when a parent isn’t there is sometimes irreparable. And the psychology behind our choices, first as daughters and then as women, can be greatly influenced by our fathers. Iris is drawn to Bobby who is struggling with his identity which pushes him further away from Iris and deeper into his alcoholic hole. This film beautifully weaves together all of these issues into a compelling tale of life, forgiveness, understanding, and redemption.
Bringing these complicated and realistic characters to life requires a talented cast and “Tomorrow, Maybe” resoundingly succeeds. Blanche fits his character to a “t.” We are immediately connected to this reformed man with a heart of gold and feel his pain and sorrow through his emotional eyes and body language. Jacobs shines as his strong and independent daughter who is caught in a difficult situation. Her struggle is evident and we feel her conflicted emotions regarding her husband and her father. Davis is extraordinary. His role has many layers which are revealed ever so slowly with absolute precision. All of the characters feel real which also gives credit to the writing and directing of Daniel. On the surface, the film appears simple, but the emotional complexities are boldly evident. It’s a riveting drama with striking cinematography that captures and accentuates the emotional depth of the film.
For more information about “Tomorrow, Maybe,” go to www.tomorrowmaybethemovie.com