Review of Tully (2018) by Linda C — 09 May 2018

This isn't an easy movie to watch. Contrary to its billing, Tully is not a comedy. It's a bittersweet and sometimes painful look at motherhood and the physical and emotional tolls it can take on a woman.

Charlize Theron is outstanding as Marlo, a 40-year-old mother of two who, at the beginning of the film, is expecting her third child any day. Her kindergarten-aged son has some undefined emotional difficulties that his school cannot handle and which stretch Marlo's patience and strength, especially after the baby arrives. Her husband, though a nice guy who loves his family, travels for work and even when home is emotionally and practically absent, playing video games while Margo struggles dealing with the children and household. She clearly loves her family and tries her best to be a good mom and wife, but Margo is a wreck. Theron gained a lot of weight for the role, and her performance captures quite starkly how the physical and emotional weight of motherhood have dragged her down and left nothing for herself.

Enter Tully, a quirky young woman who is hired by Marlo's rich brother to be the night nanny. Marlo quickly comes to rely on her, first physically and then emotionally. Tully always seems to know just what Margo needs, and slowly we see a more confident and energetic Margo emerge from the wreckage. There are some strange interactions and a few WTF moments that left me reeling, with an explanation that no doubt will leave audience opinions divided.

I found it brilliant and heartbreaking. No, it's not a comfortable film to watch, but it is well worth the time to see Theron's terrific performance. Just don't expect it to be a feel-good comedy.