‘Tomorrow Never Came’

Short Film Review

I was excited to review ‘Tomorrow Never Came’ because it brings attention to Asian mental health. With the stress from COVID-19, pressures from work or school, compounded by centuries of history and culture that teaches obedience and silence, Asian people today are going through a hidden mental health crisis that is destroying lives. I can relate to many of the struggles highlighted in the short film.

‘Tomorrow Never Came’ is a short film by Lisa Dunning with story and screenplay by Bryan Huynh. The short film follows Adam, a young man in his 20s played by Ari Grobbman, as he struggles with depression and anxiety. His Asian father expects him to go to medical school and be successful, but Adam struggles to live up to his father’s expectations. It is a struggle and a challenge that many Asians, including myself, can understand and resonate with. The pressure to succeed and make Asian parents proud can sometimes be an impossible mountain to climb. This is very much evident from the very first scenes.

When Adam’s mother, played by Joi Hiatt fights with Adam’s father, played by Bora Lee, it is obvious that Adam is not getting the support he needs. His father is disappointed that Adam is not even showing an interest in medical school. Whereas his mother is worried and concerned. This highlights another issue that impacts Asians where parents often demand and expect obedience from their children, which increases the pressure.

In another scene, Adam is talking with his friend, Rachel, played by Lorraine Huck. She is very much concerned about his isolation and worried he might be suicidal. Adam deflects her concerns and further isolates himself. This sadly does happen when some people feel lost, depressed, and alone. It is a darkness that I have experienced myself on many occasions. In many Asian cultures, this is further compounded by centuries of Asian history and culture rooted in Confucianism that leads many Asians to suffer in silence.

In the last scene leading up to the finale, Doctor Bullock, played by Delores Diaz, reads a letter written by Adam. In it, he talks about how lonely he is. It a sad and very emotional moment that does reflect how many people feel when they suffer from depression, feeling lost and alone. It is sadly the only scene where Adam is open and honest about his deep feelings.

‘Tomorrow Never Came’ does an amazing job showing the challenges of mental illness in an Asian family and resonated with me on many levels. It is a subject that is often taboo in many Asian families and often hidden for fear of shame and humiliation. As such, it is a vital key to unlocking a door to further understanding and awareness to help Asians with mental health conditions. Highly recommended!

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