“The Tomorrow War” (2021) is a sci-fi action film directed by Chris McKay, starring Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, and Sam Richardson. The film combines high-stakes action, time travel, and humanity’s fight for survival against an alien invasion. It explores themes of family, courage, and the will to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Originally intended for theatrical release, it premiered on Amazon Prime Video due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plot Summary

The story begins in 2022 with Dan Forester (Chris Pratt), a former Green Beret and current high school science teacher, struggling to find meaning in his life after being passed over for a prestigious job. His life takes a drastic turn when soldiers from the year 2051 arrive through a wormhole, warning that humanity is on the brink of extinction due to an alien species called the “White Spikes,” which will nearly wipe out the human race in just 30 years. To prevent humanity’s destruction, the soldiers demand reinforcements from the present, initiating a global draft.

Dan is drafted into this future war, leaving behind his wife, Emmy (Betty Gilpin), and young daughter, Muri. Once deployed in 2051, Dan and his team face the terrifying White Spikes — highly resilient aliens with formidable combat skills and rapid reproduction rates. The future humans have developed a toxin to kill them but have been unable to deploy it effectively on a large scale. During his time in the future, Dan meets Colonel Muri Forester (Yvonne Strahovski), who he shockingly realizes is his own daughter from the future. Through her, he learns about the impact his absence had on her life and the unresolved issues in their family.

Together, Dan and Muri devise a plan to deploy the toxin at the aliens’ central nest. However, their efforts are thwarted, and Muri sacrifices herself to help Dan escape back to the present, bringing the toxin formula with him. Returning with new knowledge, Dan and his allies search for clues to the aliens’ origins, realizing that the White Spikes may have crash-landed on Earth centuries before their initial appearance.

In a climactic battle in Russia, Dan, his father (J.K. Simmons), and a team deploy the toxin on the aliens’ nest, effectively stopping the White Spikes and preventing the future war from ever occurring. With humanity saved, Dan returns home to reconnect with his family, having gained a deeper appreciation for his role as a father and the importance of family bonds.

Key Themes and Elements

1. Family and Redemption: The film explores the theme of familial relationships, especially between Dan and his future daughter, Muri, who both struggle with issues of abandonment and forgiveness. Dan’s journey becomes as much about reconnecting with his family as it is about saving humanity.
2. Courage and Sacrifice: The drafted soldiers, many of whom have no prior combat experience, must confront their fears to protect future generations. This theme is illustrated by the sacrifices made on the battlefield and in Dan’s ultimate mission to save Muri’s future.
3. Time Travel and Responsibility: The film delves into the concept of generational responsibility, with characters realizing that their actions in the present have direct consequences for future generations.
4. Environmental and Existential Threats: The White Spikes represent an unstoppable force of nature, symbolizing humanity’s vulnerability against existential threats and the need for collaboration and ingenuity to survive.

Reception and Legacy

The Tomorrow War received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Many praised its engaging action sequences, strong performances, and high-stakes storytelling. Chris Pratt was commended for his role, as were the visual effects that brought the aliens and intense combat scenes to life. However, some critics found the plot predictable, with particular criticism directed at the film’s use of familiar sci-fi tropes and time travel logic.

Despite mixed reviews, The Tomorrow War became a popular watch on Amazon Prime, with audiences responding positively to its thrilling action and emotional depth. The movie’s success even sparked discussions about a potential sequel, with the cast and crew expressing interest in further exploring its world.

Cast and Crew

• Director: Chris McKay
• Writers: Zach Dean
• Cast:
  • Chris Pratt as Dan Forester
  • Yvonne Strahovski as Colonel Muri Forester
  • J.K. Simmons as James Forester (Dan’s father)
  • Betty Gilpin as Emmy Forester
  • Sam Richardson as Charlie
  • Edwin Hodge as Dorian

Fun Facts

• Chris Pratt also served as an executive producer for the film, marking his first major role in a behind-the-scenes capacity.
• The alien design for the White Spikes was based on a combination of various predatory animals to create a unique and terrifying creature.
• Filming took place in Iceland and Atlanta, with Iceland’s harsh landscapes used for scenes depicting the future battlefield.

Legacy

While it received a mixed critical reception, The Tomorrow War found success among streaming audiences, bolstering Amazon Prime’s original film library and further proving that high-budget, blockbuster-style films could succeed on streaming platforms. The film’s themes of sacrifice, family, and human resilience resonated with viewers, marking it as a memorable entry in the sci-fi action genre.