Tully

i was already formulating a review as i was watching but then an UNEXPECTED TWIST . very good & worth watching & also this confirms i’m never having children

7/10

Motherhood is not easy. Loved the twist! Excellent performance by Charlize Theron.

Motherhood is not easy. Loved the twist! Excellent performance by Charlize Theron.

Jason Reitman reunites with Diablo Cody for Tully, a poignant and often darkly humorous comedy-drama that delves into the raw realities of motherhood and the unexpected connections that can offer solace. Led by a transformative performance from Charlize Theron, the film initially presents itself as a story about the bond between a struggling mother and her night nanny, but gradually reveals a more complex and emotionally resonant narrative. My initial reaction was one of being deeply moved and impressed by the film's honest and unflinching portrayal of parental exhaustion and the search for self.

Rating:
7.6/10 ⭐️

A strong rating reflecting a film that is both funny and deeply moving, anchored by exceptional performances and a sharp, insightful script.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): Diablo Cody's screenplay is a masterclass in nuanced storytelling. The film initially portrays the overwhelming exhaustion of motherhood with unflinching honesty, gradually introducing the enigmatic night nanny, Tully, whose presence brings unexpected relief and a renewed sense of self to the protagonist, Marlo. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the relationship between Marlo and Tully to develop organically. The film tackles themes of motherhood, identity, mental health, and the challenges of modern life with intelligence and empathy.
* Characters (Strengths): Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as Marlo, embodying the physical and emotional toll of motherhood with raw vulnerability and dark humor. Mackenzie Davis is equally captivating as Tully, bringing an ethereal yet grounded quality to her character. Both Mark Duplass and Ron Livingston provides solid support and impactful presence. The casting is perfect, with each actor fully inhabiting their role.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Jason Reitman directs with sensitivity and a keen understanding of Cody's script. He allows the performances to shine while creating an atmosphere that is both realistic and subtly dreamlike. The cinematography captures the intimacy of Marlo's struggles and the evolving dynamic with Tully. The editing is sharp, and the soundtrack effectively underscores the emotional journey of the characters.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: Tully is a deeply engaging film due to its honest portrayal of relatable struggles and the compelling relationship between Marlo and Tully. The film manages to balance its comedic moments with genuine emotional weight, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): While the film's central relationship is compelling, the pacing in the initial portrayal of Marlo's exhaustion might feel slow for some viewers. The film's eventual reveal, while adding a layer of complexity, might feel somewhat divisive for those expecting a more straightforward narrative.
* Characters (Weaknesses): While the central characters are well-developed, some of the supporting characters could have been given more depth.

The Verdict:
Tully is a poignant and often darkly funny exploration of motherhood and the unexpected sources of support that can emerge during challenging times. Anchored by a transformative performance from Charlize Theron and a sharp, insightful script from Diablo Cody, the film offers a refreshingly honest and empathetic portrayal of parental exhaustion and the search for identity. While its narrative might take an unexpected turn for some, Tully ultimately delivers a moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Highly recommended for those who appreciate character-driven stories with a blend of humor and heart.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film effectively blends comedy and drama, navigating the often-difficult realities of motherhood with both humor and poignant emotional depth.
* Target Audience: Tully will likely resonate most strongly with parents, particularly mothers, as well as those who appreciate character-driven independent films with a strong emotional core.
* Originality & Innovation: While the premise of a nanny helping a struggling mother isn't entirely new, the film's unique narrative structure and its honest, unflinching portrayal of motherhood set it apart.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film delves into themes of motherhood, identity, the pressure to "have it all," the importance of support systems, and the complexities of mental health.
* Comparison to Other Films: Tully shares thematic similarities with other films exploring the challenges of parenthood, such as Little Miss Sunshine in its blend of humor and heart, and Young Adult, Reitman and Cody's previous collaboration also starring Theron, in its focus on a complex female protagonist.

REALLY good movie. made me not ever wanna have kuds tho. i think its so relevant and i could see my parent in them. the plot twist was great but i guessed it pretty early on. will peobs recommend.