The House of Tomorrow

“Sebastian (Asa Butterfield, Ender’s Game) is a sixteen-year-old who has spent most of his life with his Nana (Academy Award®-winner* Ellen Burstyn, Requiem For A Dream) in their geodesic dome home, a tourist attraction where she raises him on the futurist teachings of her former mentor Buckminster Fuller in hopes that one day Sebastian will carry Fuller’s torch and make the world a better place.

But when illness sidelines Nana, Sebastian begins sneaking around with Jared (Alex Wolff, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle), a chain-smoking, punk-obsessed sixteen-year-old with a heart transplant who lives in the suburbs with his Bible-banging single father, Alan (Nick Offerman, The Founder), and teenage sister Meredith (Maude Apatow, Girls).

Sebastian and Jared form a punk band and with his Nana’s dreams, his first real friendship, and a church talent show at stake, Sebastian must decide if he wants to become the next Buckminster Fuller, the next Sid Vicious, or something else entirely.”

House of Tomorrow is in its simplest form a coming of age story, though not your typical one. Sebastian has been sheltered all his life, and not the typical type of sheltered, this is like cult-status/Dharma Initiative sheltered. Since the death of his parents when he was a baby, he’s lived with a woman who lives in a dome house and randomly hosts tours for people interested in the architecture, but makes them listen to the ramblings of a long since dead man named Buckminster Fuller who had some noble but unrealistic goals for his followers. When Sebastian meets Jared on one of the tours that comes to the dome, his curiosity is peaked as he is outspoken, rude, and has green highlights in his hair. When Sebastian asks to listen to Jared’s headphones, he hears the most beautiful thing he’s ever heard; not the classical music his Nana listens to, but the screaming, almost indistinguishable lyrics of punk music. Sebastian has to learn more about this type of music and befriends Jared who reluctantly accepts to teach him. It’s this unlikely friendship between the two that gives the film so much heart, with no pun intended, as one of the major plotlines of the story involves Jared who has had a heart transplant that is in danger of being rejected at any moment.

As Sebastian learns about the outside world, he learns about the good and the bad, and we experience it through his eyes and his compassionate and intellectual nature. His transformation as he discovers himself is both heartwarming and hilarious. His naivety about everything around him despite his vast book knowledge is what brings the majority of the humor in the film, which is done very well. There are some heavy themes tackled in this film; Jared’s fear of dying and trying not to let anyone see it, his father’s need to protect him from everything, Jared’s mother being an alcoholic deadbeat who isn’t allowed near him. Sebastian’s draw to this dysfunctional and broken family is interesting given his draw to punk music and the neat and clean world he is accustomed to. This film has so many layers to it, and you could take something away from the film that is completely different from the person sitting next to you.

The acting in this film is phenomenal as well. Asa Butterfield transitioned well into more adult theme films and has come a long way since The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and Hugo. He was always good as a child actor, but it’s reassuring to see that his talent is still going strong and he no doubt has a bright future ahead of him. Alex Wolff is another name that has been popping up a lot recently, with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Hereditary. He does a fantastic job in this film and is one to watch as he career continues to grow. Maude Apatow also does great in this. Her part is much smaller but it packs a punch in several scenes, and is so weird to see her now after all this time seeing her as a little girl in many of her father’s films. Nick Offerman is gives a great performance of a father devastated about the health of his son.

Video

The House of Tomorrow is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1. This transfer looks exceptional, with no defects noticed. Color balance looks good, with each character displaying a certain look to them costume-wise that contrasts nicely with the others. This look also applies to the different sets, which look very different from each other, The Dome having a very white and clean look to it, while Jared’s house is much darker, chaotic, and the colors and hue of the film reflect this nicely.

Audio

The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The majority of the film will be heard through the center channel in the form of dialogue, but when the boys are playing or listening to music, the rest of the surrounds get a heavy workout. Balance between the surrounds and center channel are good, and no defects were noticed.

Special Features

Several extras on this disc will ensure that fans of the film will find some enjoyment after the credits roll. These include:

• Feature-Length Audio Commentary With Screenwriter/Director Peter Livolsi And Cast Members Asa Butterfield, Alex Wolff And Maude Apatow
• Ellen Burstyn In Conversation With Peter Livolsi
• NYC Premiere Q&A

The House of Tomorrow tells a wonderful story that will definitely take you on a rollercoaster of emotion up until the very end. With many themes to explore, one great thing is certain: music can change lives.