'Tully' A Review

Tully is a drama about motherhood which follows mother of two with one on the way Marlo(Charlize Theron) as she struggles with expectations, pressures, and responsibilities both internal and external. The film opens on Marlo during the chaos of dropping her two kids Sarah(Lia Frankland) and Jonah(Asher Miles Fallica) off at school, mostly due to Jonah's as yet undiagnosed behavior problems. Later the family along with dad Drew(Ron Livingston) go to Marlo's affluent brother's home for dinner where he offers her the gift of a night nanny after the third child is born. Initially averse Marlo takes him up on the offer after becoming overwhelmed and Tully(Mackenzie Davis) begins working for the family. As Marlo's load is lightened through the care and attention of Tully the two develop a deepening friendship.

Theron puts in an award-winning performance as Marlo. Complex and subtle, deeply fearless and intensely physical, Theron gives one of the greatest turns of her already exceptional career. The comic sarcasm and frustration, the louder moments, she slam dunks but its the captivating emotion and intention conveyed in posture, expression, stillness, and in her less loquacious moments that really stun. Not only is it a performance that fires on all cylinders it is a character and a focus we have never seen before. A portrait of a mother, not defined by her kids or her husband, but soley and simply her. Her experience, her perspective, her desires. And Theron takes savage and full advantage of the opportunity.

The supporting cast is relatively small but they all, especially the nuclear family, give nuanced portrayals. Frankland is cute but not Hollywood precocious. Fallica's behavior is appropriately irritating but there's a level of reality and variation that hit authenticity rather than either comedy or drama. Livingston, with a small role, reclaims something here. He has great chemistry with Theron and is able to walk a fine line between caring and neglect capitalizing, finally, on the potential he showed years ago in his early break out roles. Davis is good no question, an excellent foil for Theron but the character and the performance are appropriately secondary to the family.

Although not flashy there are some understated, fine cinematic touches and moments that are extremely effective. A cut from a chaotic car interior to a quiet mundane parking lot exterior, the repeated dream-like motif of water, kids playing behind a sheer curtain, among others. The film focuses on small day-to-day activities, chores, and interactions and elevates them to an universal transcendent level.

Truly powerful. An utterly unique captivating film which has universal relatability.

Don't Miss It.