Tuesday

Tuesday (Lola Petticrew) is a dying teen. She is visited by death in the form of a size-changing macaw. Her mother Zora (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is struggling with the issue.

This is a weird telling of this challenging subject matter. I can say that this movie has the benefit of being unique. I don't think that death has been represented in this way. I do have a couple of minor concerns. The tonal changes can be jarring. I would also like mother and daughter to have the same accent. I do get it. When Julia Louis-Dreyfus wants to do your little quirky British indie, you don't say no and you can't demand that she adopts a British accent. Those are minor issues when compared to the outsized uniqueness of the concept. In another ten years, I will remember this movie.

Minor complaint: there are several minor plot gaps and some timeline questions, clearly some scenes were cut which would have pulled it together better, but nothing important.

Reviewers saying it's confusing or boring are likely more upset because it upsets them on religious grounds, but don't want to say so. If you are easily upset by premises which do not support conventional Western concepts of God or especially Christianity, then this is not the movie for you. Go watch something by Mel Gibson. Likewise if you require male characters; there really aren't any.

If you don't like fantasy or tge supernatural, this is also not for you.

But for me: powerful acting, beautiful special effects, and strong dialogue writing. I watched it twice back to back.

Who doesn't love when a film subverts your expectations? That's certainly the case with Tuesday, the directorial debut of Daina O. Pusic. We follow the story of a mother desperately trying to avoid the impending reality of the passing of her terminally ill daughter (the titular Tuesday). At a glance, as it's a premise that has certainly been done before, you wouldn't be remiss to assume this film to be an emotionally heavy tale, but somewhat simple and banal. But it's not what you would expect. Pusic has managed to shake up the formula and with the help of some magical realism, has told this story in a fresh, unique and interesting way.

We get Death in the form of an anthropomorphic macaw bird who swoops in when your time is up, wrapping you under his wings and taking your soul away. When it is Tuesday's time, whilst she feels she is ready, she knows her mother is not, and so attempts to delay the inevitable by befriending Death and seeking his help in assuaging her mother. Naturally, her mother is not easily persuaded and furiously bargains with Death; eventually taking matters into her owns hands with surprising results.

What follows is a somewhat absurd narrative, with many moments that are both shocking and humorous, but equally heartfelt. It is beautifully sincere in its examination of the complexities of accepting death; sold brilliantly by the performances of Julia Louis-Dreyfus (of Seinfeld and Veep fame) and Lola Petticrew, who bring emotion and authenticity to their respective characters. The pacing was a bit jumbled, with the first half dragging slightly, and the latter half, which introduced many interesting and frightening existential dilemmas, feeling quite rushed and underexplored. And whilst, the VFX interpretation of Death was mostly good, it is the deep, dulcet tones of Arinzé Kene, both unsettling and ominous, yet sympathetic and comforting, that really sells the character. Pusic is definitely one to watch.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, after a considerable hiatus, finally graces us with her presence in a project outside the realm of blockbusters. This welcome departure was facilitated by A24, and while I cannot ascertain whether it was Daina Oniunas-Pusic's brainchild, it proves to be a casting coup of the highest order.

The negative reviews that have plagued the film reveal a fundamental misunderstanding. It appears that those drawn in by the trailer, expecting a comedy or drama featuring Louis-Dreyfus, were sorely disappointed. At this juncture, attempting to explain the nuances of metaphorical cinema and subtext to such individuals seems futile. While one cannot compel everyone to watch every film, it's lamentable that they do so only to inundate these exquisite works with negative commentary.

This marks my inaugural foray into the world of Daina Oniunas-Pusic's oeuvre, and I eagerly anticipate delving into her filmography retrospectively.

The film's sound design is a tour de force, demanding to be experienced with a top-notch audio system. The subtle nuances and immersive soundscapes elevate the viewing experience, adding layers of depth and meaning to the narrative.

One can only hope that A24 will extend the reach of this cinematic gem to a wider audience, both in cinemas and through home video releases, with Turkey being a prime target for such an expansion. The film's universal themes and emotional resonance have the potential to captivate viewers across cultures and continents.

Oniunas-Pusic's direction is assured and confident, showcasing a deft hand at balancing the film's surreal elements with grounded emotional truths. The film's visual style is striking, with its muted color palette and dreamlike imagery creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Louis-Dreyfus delivers a nuanced and understated performance, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She effortlessly embodies the complex emotions of a woman grappling with grief and loss, her subtle facial expressions and body language conveying a depth of feeling that transcends words.

The supporting cast, including Arinzé Kene and Lola Petticrew, also deliver strong performances, adding further layers of complexity to the film's emotional tapestry. Their interactions with Louis-Dreyfus' character are both tender and heartbreaking, highlighting the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

"Tuesday" is a film that defies easy categorization. It's a meditation on grief, loss, and the enduring power of love. It's a film that challenges viewers to embrace the unknown and to find beauty in the mundane. It's a film that lingers in the mind long after the final frame fades to black.

What would it look like if Studio Ghibli made a live-action film about death and the stages of grief? You would get TUESDAY, a movie about Zora (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a mother who is in denial over the inevitable death of her terminally ill daughter Tuesday (Lola Petticrew). When they encounter Death itself (Arinzé Kene), they both react differently. To be clear, Studio Ghibli didn't make this, it just felt like it. We have A24 to thank for this endlessly fascinating unique experience. This movie goes to places I never see coming. Amidst the heavy themes and tone, there are moments of humor that lighten things up. I love the small but well thought out details involving world-building, and the mother-daughter dynamic. I'm also really enjoying seeing Julia in more indie dramatic roles recently, very good. Some people might find this movie slightly dragged halfway through, or they might find some scenes a little too weird, but as I must've said in a different review, my favourite kind of movies now are bold, weird and unique. TUESDAY hooked me in the first minute. I found it for rental, but I really hope a streaming service picks it up so it can have a wider audience. We need more movies like this. Remember, death is just a part of life. It's definitely sad, but it isn't inherently bad. Treasure the moments you have, with yourself and the people you love.