TULLY – A Review by Cynthia Flores
Don’t let the funny poster fool ya, this is a drama before it's a dark comedy. And it's a pretty good one at that. What else would you expect from the writing and directing team that brought you the 2007 hit Juno. Whereas that film was about an unwanted teen pregnancy, this one’s about the third pregnancy for Marlo (Charlize Theron), who’s facing a mid-life crisis of sorts. In the postpartum depression she’s dealing with after the birth of her new daughter, she’s also on the verge of losing her sanity. Her less than helpful husband Drew (Ron Livingston) is busy at work, helps with the kids homework, and then zones out at night by putting on his headphones and playing video games in bed leaving Marlo to deal with the newborn. On top of dealing with a newborn, she has to take care of both her elementary aged kids. Sarah (Lia Frankland) who is shy but smart and her younger brother Jonah (Asher Miles Fallica) who has emotional outbursts that none of the adults seem to be able to put a label on besides “Quirky”.
Her financially better off brother Craig (Mark Duplass) gives her the gift of a night nanny. Uncomfortable about accepting such an extravagant gift at first, Marlo finds that the help is a godsend. She forms a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising and spirited young nanny named Tully.
I will stop right here because for a “dramedie” this one has a twist any thriller would enjoy calling its own. I didn’t even see it coming and I do this for a living. So you’ll just have to go see this interesting take on motherhood to know what I am talking about. Tully is worth going to see with other moms and then talking about it afterwards over coffee. I give it a solid B+ Rating.
Directed by Jason Reitman
Written By Diablo Cody
Rated R
Selig Rating B+
Running Time 1hr 36min
Drama / Comedy
Wide Release May 4th
Starring: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, Ron Livingston
Movie Site: focusfeatures.com/tully
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
