Watch The House of Tomorrow

The House of Tomorrow, directed by Peter Livolsi, is a coming-of-age drama based on the best-selling novel by Peter Bognanni. The film revolves around the unusual friendship between two teenagers: the socially-awkward Sebastian (Asa Butterfield) and the rebellious Jared (Alex Wolff). Both of them live in unique situations: while Sebastian has been raised in isolation by his grandmother (Ellen Burstyn) according to the teachings of Buckminster Fuller, Jared is a punk rocker and the lead singer of a band.

Sebastian's grandmother has spent her entire life teaching him about the works of Fuller- an eccentric architect, inventor, and philosopher who envisioned a world of sustainable living, and wants Sebastian to carry on his work. Under the guidance of his grandmother, Sebastian slowly becomes more at ease with himself and the world around him, but as his world opens up, his grandmother's health deteriorates.

Meanwhile, Jared becomes increasingly interested in Sebastian's lifestyle and the philosophy of Fuller. The two of them bond over their love for music and aspirations for the future, and Jared convinces Sebastian to join his punk rock band as the drummer. Jared's rebellious nature introduces Sebastian to a completely new way of living, which clashes with his grandmother's ideals.

Throughout the film, the two teenagers face challenges while attempting to find their place in the world. Sebastian struggles with his relationship with his grandmother and how to balance his grandparents' beliefs with Jared's free-spirited influence. Jared, on the other hand, is trying to cope with his father's recent death and the strain it has caused on his family. The two boys navigate their way through adolescence, learning important lessons and developing a unique understanding of themselves along the way.

While the two central characters of the film are Sebastian and Jared, The House of Tomorrow also highlights the poignant stories of the supporting cast, including Nick Offerman as Jared's caretaker father and Maude Apatow as Jared's love interest.

The production design in The House of Tomorrow is particularly notable. The house that Sebastian and his grandmother live in is an architectural marvel, built according to Buckminster Fuller’s principles. The unique structural elements of the house, such as the geodesic dome, bring added interest to the film's visuals.

Overall, The House of Tomorrow is a thought-provoking and heartfelt film, packed with memorable characters and stunning visuals. The film is a celebration of individuality and the power of human connection, told through the complex stories of teenage boys coming to terms with themselves and the world around them.

The House of Tomorrow is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 58.