The film depicts the catastrophic effects of sudden climate change. Paleoclimatologist Jack Hall (Quaid) discovers that global warming can lead to a new Ice Age. He races to rescue his son Sam (Gyllenhaal), trapped in New York City after a massive storm hits the city.
The film depicts a series of extreme weather events , including:
Strong hurricanes destroy coastal areas.
Tsunami: massive tidal waves inundate coastal cities.
Severe snowstorms and record-breaking snowfall cover the northern hemisphere.
A sudden and dramatic drop in temperature freezes everything in its path.
The day after tomorrow was a box office success, grossing more than 544 million dollars worldwide. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it was praised for its special effects and depiction of the potential consequences of climate change. The film is also credited with raising public awareness of climate change and its potential impacts.