Tully
Starring: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Ron Livingston
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Rated: R
Marlo is stressed. She is a working mom with 2 kids and one on the way. Her son, Jonah, is referred to by his school principal as “quirky”, but he exhibits early signs of autistic behavior. Her husband is rarely at home due to his job. As Marlo attempts to help her son, prepare for a new baby, and be a good mother, exhaustion sets in. Marlo's brother insists she hire a night nanny to help ease some of the stress. Although hesitant at first, Marlo eventually agrees and meets Tully...a nanny who will change her life.
Tully is a refreshingly honest and realistic portrayal of motherhood and mental health. Director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody have crafted a deeply layered character driven story with precision and care. Even the smallest details in the story end up making a huge impact on Marlo’s journey.
Charlize Theron is relatable and real as Marlo. She makes the audience feel every emotion she’s feeling: tired, overwhelmed. It’s clear she’s struggling with depression and we can see why in her overwhelming circumstances. Theron embodies the situation brilliantly going from one emotion to another at each passing moment. As Tully enters her life, we begin to see a happier Marlo. She enjoys life more.
Mackenzie Davis is great as the whimsical Tully. She is a free spirit who helps Marlo when she needs it the most. But there is an air of mystery behind the free-spirited night nanny. Who is she? Where did she come from? There is a very fascinating character dynamic between Tully and Marlo that builds from scene to scene.
At times, there are scenes that make you genuinely question the main characters of Tully. I sat there wondering “is this really happening? How could anyone be ok with this?” You have to trust me when I tell you, just stick with the movie and pay attention to the details because every strange character decision is perfectly explained in the final act. I want to go back and see the movie a second time because I’ve gained a new perspective on the story since seeing the ending.
Tully is a brilliant look at the realities of motherhood and mental health in the 21st century. Don’t miss it!
My rating: 9/10