Tully

It's a daunting task to do this film justice with mere descriptions of what it may or may not be about. One thing is clear, it is about motherhood, it is about identity, and about self-acceptance, but one could argue most films are about identity and self-acceptance, which leaves us with motherhood.

It feels much more important to underline that Tully is a rare film with stunning writing and dialogue and acting, that takes the viewer through what it can feel like to be a mother of three children with rare sincerity, realism, lightness and freshness. Mostly, it just feels like we are there, we desperately want to lighten the load Marlo (Charlize) has on her hands, we are incredibly grateful for everything Tully (MacKenzie Davis - who is very far from Cameron Howe here, showing that she has great range on top of her talent) does for her. And when the film ends, it feels like what a movie is supposed to feel like: like we have journeyed somewhere else, both awed and scarred by some of what we've seen, and a little bit wiser than when we first came in.

This movie says so much more than what is on the surface. Marlo a mother of 2, with one on the way is handling things just OK. The added stress of a newborn, a special needs kid and a darling girl tries to keep up. And true to life - things start falling apart. Her brother, with whom there is a not the greatest relationship, offers to get her a night nanny and it takes her awhile to take him up on it. And her life changes after first night of good sleep - and she and has a new friend too. She starts being able to handle her sons needs, take care of herself and slowly you learn what is behind it all. Many men and woman (who have not had children) do not understand the post-partum time - it is not easy all the time and with so many things on the plate of a mother with more children - it is hard. I was not prepared for the last part - but I am sure I will be thinking of it for quite awhile. To me a good movie is one that I still think about weeks later. I loved Diablo Cody's writing - again.

Tully is a return to form for both director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody. Featuring great performances, an unflinching and engrossing look on motherhood and a witty, acerbic script. Tully is a film worth looking out for.

TULLY is a funny and frustrating look at motherhood through the eyes of a very tired, borderline post-partum depressed mom, played by Charlize Theron. We first meet Theron when she's very pregnant, and already very stressed taking care of the two kids she has already. A nervous daughter who is smart but way too hard on herself, and a son who clearly is "on the spectrum" somewhere, and is becoming a real problem at his private school. A school his parents can't really afford. The baby that's on its way is clearly seen as a mixed blessing at best by Theron and her somewhat absent husband (played by Ron Livingston.)

The baby arrives, and sure enough, it's too much for Theron to handle. Her brother (Mark Duplass), who is doing QUITE well in business, suggests she hire a night nanny (a gift from him)...essentially a person who will take care of your newborn during the night so you can get a good night's sleep yourself. Reluctant at first, but finally buckling to her own crushing exhaustion, Tully enters Theron's life. Mackenzie Davis plays Tully as a nearly perfect answer to Tully's need. She is empathetic. She is patient. She is understanding & funny. And most importantly, she takes care of the baby, cleans the house and even makes snacks for the kids. Theron finally gets some sleep. And with sleep, she re-engages with her household...finally serving something other than frozen pizza for dinner, being attentive to her older kids and just generally being in a better mood.

Much of the film revolves around the amusing night-time conversations between Theron and Tully, and an unusual friendship develops. It is here that the dialogue (from Oscar winner Diablo Cody) really sparkles. We come to feel the relationship between these two women very closely, and invest our attention into looking forward to what happens next, and next, and next. There are amusing surprises in store.

Director Jason Reitman keeps things moving along briskly. This indie-spirit film moves at the clip of a mainstream movie...making it extremely engaging. Theron is really terrific, and throws herself into this unflattering role in a way that makes us sympathize for her greatly even while we're frustrated by some of her actions. Davis is delightful as the free-spirited Tully, and Livingston, in his understated way, makes for a good foil. The actors playing Theron's kids are very sharp as well. This is a movie that really delights the viewer with excellent performances that are sparked by a script with heart and a fair amount of wit.

Why not 5 stars? It's a close call, really. I docked it a half star or so because some of the scenes of chaos in Theron's life are perhaps just a bit too broad and hard to believe. Cody has written them on a very fine line between believable and "too much." That teetering takes some of the film's potential power away. Specifically, scenes between Theron and various leaders at her son's school paint the school officials with a very big "villain" brush, and with no subtlety. And I like Mark Duplass in some things, but his characteristic smugness makes him too one-dimensional in this film.

These gripes aside, TULLY is amusing, sometimes sad and VERY frequently surprising. It takes you down a few predictable roads, which only makes the surprise detours all the more impactful. It's absolutely worth checking out, especially for just about anyone who has had to raise kids.

Tully was a pleasant surprise. This film intentionally has a strange & uncomfortable feeling to it, even when things are going well. The ending will frustrate some people, and it does simplify some complicated issues, but overall I found this movie to be enjoyable. And now my wife wants to hire a night nurse.