The Tomorrow Man Ending Explained, The Tomorrow Man Plot, Cast
by A Maria
Updated Mar 13, 2023
The Tomorrow Man - Film
Noble Jones' directorial debut, "The Tomorrow Man," is a drama film released in 2019. The film features a star-studded cast including John Lithgow, Blythe Danner, Derek Cecil, Katie Aselton, Sophie Thatcher, and Eve Harlow. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2019, and was distributed by Bleecker Street for its release in the United States on May 22, 2019. The film revolves around a man who falls in love with a woman he meets at a grocery store while he is preparing for the apocalypse. In August and September of 2017, the film was shot in Rochester, New York, which happens to be John Lithgow's hometown. The filming lasted for approximately six weeks.
The Tomorrow Man Ending Explained
"The Tomorrow Man Ending Explained: Love and Letting Go"
Noble Jones' directorial debut "The Tomorrow Man" is a slow-burning drama that explores loneliness, fear, and connection in a quirky and heartfelt way. John Lithgow and Blythe Danner deliver nuanced performances as Ed and Ronnie, two eccentric characters who find each other in unexpected circumstances and start a tentative romance. The film invites us to ponder the question of what truly matters in life, and how we cope with the uncertainties and impermanence of existence.
At the beginning of the movie, Ed is a retired government employee who spends most of his time preparing for a hypothetical doomsday scenario, buying supplies, and listening to the radio for signs of trouble. He lives alone in a cluttered house filled with boxes and gadgets, and his only social interaction is with a cashier at the local grocery store, where he shops obsessively. Meanwhile, Ronnie is a widow who lives with her daughter and granddaughter but feels distant from them, as they don't share her passions for antiques and collecting. Ronnie also frequents the grocery store, where Ed notices her and becomes intrigued by her.
After a series of awkward but charming encounters, Ed and Ronnie start dating and sharing their idiosyncrasies. They visit garage sales, have picnics, watch movies, and even dance in a diner. Ed opens up to Ronnie about his past traumas and anxieties, and she listens and empathizes with him. Ronnie also confides in Ed about her regrets and missed opportunities, and he encourages her to pursue her dreams. They find comfort and companionship in each other, and the prospect of a happy ending seems within reach.
However, the future is uncertain, and the past is never entirely gone. As the film progresses, we learn more about Ed's troubled family history and his fear of losing control. We also witness Ronnie's daughter's concerns about her mother's judgment and Ed's quirks. The tension between the characters increases, culminating in a series of revelations and confrontations that challenge their newfound intimacy.
The ending of "The Tomorrow Man" can be interpreted in different ways, depending on one's perspective and expectations. Some viewers may find it abrupt or ambiguous, while others may see it as a fitting conclusion to a story about human vulnerability and resilience. Without giving away too many spoilers, let's explore some possible meanings of the final scenes.
Firstly, the ending of "The Tomorrow Man" suggests that love is not a cure-all for personal issues or societal problems. Ed and Ronnie may have found each other and enjoyed each other's company, but their underlying fears and wounds don't disappear magically. In fact, their relationship triggers some unresolved issues that they need to address if they want to grow and heal. For example, Ed's need for control and order clashes with Ronnie's spontaneity and emotional openness, and Ronnie's attachment to objects and memories clashes with Ed's asceticism and detachment.
Secondly, the ending of "The Tomorrow Man" implies that letting go is a necessary step towards growth and freedom. Ed and Ronnie both face difficult choices that require them to release their attachments and fears. Ed must confront his estranged son and face the consequences of his actions, while Ronnie must decide whether to stay in her comfort zone or pursue a new adventure. Both characters have to take risks and trust in the unknown, and both characters have to face their mortality and limitations. The final shot of the film, which shows a butterfly emerging from a cocoon and flying away, can be seen as a metaphor for transformation and renewal.
Lastly, the ending of "The Tomorrow Man" suggests that life is a journey, not a destination. Ed and Ronnie may not end up together or achieve all their goals.
Cast of The Tomorrow Man
CAST
CHARACTER
John Lithgow
Ed Hemsler
Blythe Danner
Ronnie Meisner
Derek Cecil
Brian
Katie Aselton
Janet
Sophie Thatcher
Jeanine
Eve Harlow
Tina
Wendy Makkena
Beverly St. Michaels
The Tomorrow Man Plot
Noble Jones' directorial debut, "The Tomorrow Man," is a thoughtful exploration of two aging individuals who find each other at the grocery store and subsequently navigate a relationship. The film stars John Lithgow as Ed, a man obsessed with preparing for the apocalypse, and Blythe Danner as Ronnie, a woman who has her own set of quirks and issues.
The Hollywood Reporter's review of the film provides a detailed analysis of the plot and themes. The film opens with Ed, who lives alone and spends his days hoarding supplies and reading conspiracy theories. He is intrigued by Ronnie, a woman he sees at the local grocery store who is buying a few items that Ed thinks are part of a larger plan.
Ed's fixation on Ronnie eventually leads him to start dating her, and they quickly develop a close relationship. However, their individual eccentricities and obsessions make it difficult for them to fully trust each other. Ed struggles to accept Ronnie's desire to live in the moment, while Ronnie is unnerved by Ed's paranoia and fear of the future.
The tension between the two characters comes to a head when Ed's son arrives for a surprise visit. His presence further highlights the differences between Ed's and Ronnie's perspectives on life. Ed's son is a successful businessman who believes in planning for the future, while Ronnie's daughter is a free spirit who embraces life's uncertainties.
As the relationship between Ed and Ronnie becomes more strained, they are forced to confront their own fears and anxieties. Ed must come to terms with the possibility that the world may not end, while Ronnie must confront the reality of her own mortality.
The Hollywood Reporter's review notes that "The Tomorrow Man" is a film that explores the complexity of human relationships and the ways in which we deal with our fears and insecurities. The film is a poignant reminder that, despite our differences, we all share a common desire for connection and understanding.
Overall, "The Tomorrow Man" is a touching and insightful film that examines the human experience with honesty and sensitivity. It is a reminder that, even in the face of uncertainty and fear, there is always hope for love and connection.
About The Tomorrow Man
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Directed by
Noble Jones
Written by
Noble Jones
Produced by
Nicholas Bertelsen
Tony Lipp
James Schamus
Luke Rivett
Starring
John Lithgow
Blythe Danner
Derek Cecil
Katie Aselton
Sophie Thatcher
Eve Harlow
Cinematography
Noble Jones
Edited by
Zimo Huang
Music by
Paul Leonard-Morgan
Production
companies
Symbolic Exchange
Anonymous Content
Distributed by
Bleecker Street
Release dates
January 30, 2019 (Sundance)
May 22, 2019 (United States)
Running time
94 minutes
Country
United States
Language
English
Box office
$354,103
The Tomorrow Man ending explained - FAQs
"The Tomorrow Man" was directed by Noble Jones, in his directorial debut.
The film features a star-studded cast including John Lithgow, Blythe Danner, Derek Cecil, Katie Aselton, Sophie Thatcher, and Eve Harlow.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2019, and was distributed by Bleecker Street for its release in the United States on May 22, 2019.
The film was shot in Rochester, New York, which happens to be John Lithgow's hometown. The filming lasted for approximately six weeks in August and September of 2017.
"The Tomorrow Man" revolves around a man who falls in love with a woman he meets at a grocery store while he is preparing for the apocalypse.