There's Still Tomorrow

The movie is set in post-war Rome, where the atmosphere is charged with the presence of Allied military troops who roam the streets in Jeeps. This period is characterized by poverty and social unrest as the city prepares for a crucial institutional referendum and the election of the Constituent Assembly scheduled for June 2 and 3.

Delia, a woman in an abusive marriage with Ivano, juggles her domestic responsibilities while caring for her father-in-law Ottorino and managing a household of three children. She also takes on sewing and laundry jobs for wealthy individuals, struggling to maintain her dignity in a difficult life.

Delia finds comfort in her circle of friends which includes Nino, a caring car mechanic; Marisa, an optimistic greengrocer; and William, an African American soldier eager to assist her. These friendships provide her with emotional support amid the turmoil of her daily life.

Delia's life takes a turn when her teenage daughter Marcella becomes engaged to Giulio Moretti, a wealthy young man whose family owns a profitable ice-cream parlor. As Delia contemplates this engagement, she worries about the potential for her daughter to face a similar unhappy marriage.

After hosting a Sunday lunch for Marcella's future in-laws, Delia witnesses the bossy behavior of Giulio, prompting her to reflect on the parallels between her own troubled marriage and what her daughter might face. This realization deepens her resolve to change their future.

Determined to prevent Marcella from enduring a life like hers, Delia enlists William's help to sabotage Giulio's family's bar, causing a significant financial blow. This act of defiance is a pivotal moment that showcases Delia's transition from passivity to empowerment.

The explosion of the bar brings devastation to Marcella, who is heartbroken by the loss of her future and the impact on her fiancé's family. Despite the personal cost, Delia feels that she has made the right choice, as she begins to regain her own agency.

In a small moment of triumph, Delia receives her first voter's card in the mail, symbolizing her newfound empowerment. She had saved a significant amount of money, initially meant for Marcella's wedding dress, instead opting to use it for her daughter's education as a means of breaking the cycle of abuse.

On June 2, as the nation prepares for a crucial vote regarding monarchy versus republic, Delia is eager to participate. However, her plans are complicated by the sudden death of her father-in-law, which draws family and friends to her home and distracts her from her political intentions.

Despite the chaos that follows her father-in-law's death, Delia is determined to reach the polls and cast her vote, marking her first experience as a voter among other Italian women. This journey signifies the gravity of her choice to stand up and participate in the rebuilding of her society.

Before heading out to vote, Delia accidentally loses her voter card in her house. The card becomes a point of contention as it is discovered first by her husband Ivano, who intends to undermine her agency, followed by Marcella, who understands its significance for her mother's empowerment.

In a crucial moment, Marcella finds the voter card and rushes to deliver it to Delia. This act not only highlights their bond but also serves as a pivotal point in Delia's ability to execute her right to vote, reclaiming her sense of self-worth and determination.

Finally reaching the polls with the help of her daughter, Delia is able to cast her vote amidst a sea of other women participating for the first time. This action symbolizes a significant step toward individual empowerment and reflects the broader societal change taking place in post-war Italy.