Watch A Step Toward Tomorrow
- G
- 1996
- 1 hr 33 min
-
6.8 (270)
A Step Toward Tomorrow is a 1996 romantic drama film directed by Deborah Reinisch and stars Judith Light, Tom Irwin, and Christopher Reeve in his last on-screen appearance before his tragic accident that left him paralyzed. The movie follows the story of a married couple, Emily and Joe Blair, who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their son who died in a car accident. Emily, a successful businesswoman, works tirelessly to keep her family together but finds herself caught up in a vicious circle of work and grief.
As the couple's marriage deteriorates, Emily is forced to take some time off work to spend time with her sister and her family on the coast. There she meets an old acquaintance, Frank, who has always had a crush on her. He introduces her to a life of relaxation and spending time doing the things she loves - painting and reading.
Meanwhile, Joe has his own problems as he tries to hold on to his life and his job. He clashes with his colleagues and even gets into a fight with his best friend, Mark. Joe is portrayed as a man struggling to find a way to heal and move on from his son's death.
The story progresses as Emily becomes enamored with Frank's carefree lifestyle, and she starts to rediscover herself. However, things take a turn when Joe shows up unexpectedly, and Emily finds herself torn between the two men.
The film touches on themes such as loss, grief, and how to recover when life hits you hard. It explores the idea that different people have different ways of dealing with loss and that there is no "right" way to heal.
The acting in A Step Toward Tomorrow is exceptional, with Light giving an outstanding performance as Emily. She brings the character to life and portrays the inner turmoil and struggle of a mother dealing with the loss of a child. Tom Irwin also delivers an impressive performance as Joe, the husband who feels like he's lost everything.
Christopher Reeve is charming in his final on-screen performance as Frank, the acquaintance who brings joy and relaxation to Emily's life. Reeve's performance is bittersweet in light of the circumstances of his tragic accident the following year, making his character's joyous outlook on life all the more poignant.
The film is well-paced, with the directors showcasing the characters' struggles in a realistic and nuanced way. The cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking shots of the ocean and landscapes that convey the peacefulness that Emily finds in her new lifestyle.
Overall, A Step Toward Tomorrow is a beautifully crafted film that deals with complex themes and offers a nuanced portrayal of grief and healing. While it may not be an entirely original concept, the film's stellar performances and masterful directing make it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a well-told story.
A Step Toward Tomorrow is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.