Tully (2018) User Reviews

just don't call it quirky

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 4 May 2018]

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody first collaborated on the filming of her debut script JUNO in 2007. Four years later they made YOUNG ADULT with Charlize Theron, and now all three reunite for this latest tip of the cap to motherhood and self-care. Simpatico is the word that comes to mind here with the perfect lineup of writer, director and actress. The biggest question is how to label it. Some will call it a comedy, while others will proclaim it a serious drama. As with much of life, there is a bit of laughter, a touch of drama, and a dash of most every emotion.

Ms. Theron stars as Marlo, mother of three. There is 8/9 year old daughter Sarah (Lia Frankland, 6 year old son Jonah (Asher Miles Fallica) who lands on the autistic spectrum, and now an unplanned newborn that threatens to rock a family already barely getting through each day. Sarah is a lovely sister and daughter, but the typical adolescent insecurities are magnified by her getting lost in the shuffle due to her two more needy siblings. Jonah gets booted from mainstream kindergarten by a principal who labels him "quirky" ... an awkward description people use when they are trying to be polite (even though it's exactly the opposite).

Ron Livingston plays Marlo's husband Drew, a traveling businessman who, though a nice guy and loving father, is clueless to the stresses of running the homestead. Also in the mix is Craig (Mark Duplass), Marlo's brother who is equal parts wealthy and smug. When Craig offers the gift of a night-nanny to Marlo, she is tempted, but her pride gets in the way as she compares herself to the 'cupcake' super moms who always seem to have their act together. Ultimately, the relentless pressure and sleep deprivation, bring the young night-nanny Tully (Mackenzie Davis) into the home. She and Marlo hit it off immediately leading Marlo (and us) to question if Tully is too good to be true.

As Tully entrenches herself, it becomes clear that her value is to Marlo more than the baby. The two ladies become friends, and Marlo confesses her fears and insecurities as Tully acts as a life coach encouraging her through some tough moments. Despite the surreal feel to these interactions, Diablo Cody's dialogue crackles with cynicism and realism. The quips we've come to expect from her writing are delivered by her best developed character to date. There is a depth to Marlo, and her exchanges with Tully take us places a teenage JUNO couldn't possibly.

Charlize Theron proves again that she is truly an elite actress when she commits to a role. Her 50 lb weight game adds the necessary realism, but it's her emotional teetering that is most impressive. She is like a supermodel who also plays rugby - a rare blend of beauty, talent and skill. Mackenzie Davis is a revelation. She holds her own in every scene and it's quite interesting to see her free-spirited modern day Mary Poppins with tats.

If a previous movie has dealt with the challenge and stress of motherhood with this level of depth and realism, it doesn't come to mind. The movie kind of creeps up on you with a message regarding the importance of dealing with lost youth, while also never losing sight of yourself as an individual ... all with incisive humor and pulling no punches on being an overwhelmed mom. Just don't call it quirky.

Examining something rarely seen on-screen

[Bertaut · 7/10 · 10 May 2018]

Tully tells the story of Marlo (Charlize Theron), a New York suburbanite pregnant with her third child. Her husband, Drew (Ron Livingston) is loving, but somewhat neglectful, showing more interest in playing video games than helping Tully maintain the house and family. Clueless about the pressures of motherhood, he fails to notice when Marlo begins to show signs of post-natal depression. However, shortly after the baby's birth, Marlo's wealthy brother, Craig (Mark Duplass) hires a night nanny named Tully (Mackenzie Davis) to help take some of the pressure off Marlo. Reluctant to embrace the idea at first, Marlo soon forms a tight bond with Tully, who introduces Marlo to a lifestyle she had never imagined.

Tully is one of those films that the less you know about it before seeing it, the better. Featuring committed performances from Theron and Davis, the film is written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman, a partnership which also produced Young Adult (2011), in which Theron also starred. There's a definite thematic uniformity between the two films, as if they exist in an almost sliding doors-like relationship to one another. My only real issue with Tully is that the supporting characters are very thinly drawn - Drew, the well-meaning but ineffectual husband, is especially void of substance. Although, to be fair, the nature of the story, to a certain extent, necessitates this. In any case, this is an excellent study of an issue very rarely put on-screen - imperfect motherhood. A word of warning though; neither the poster, nor the trailer do the film any favours whatsoever. It's funny in places, but this is not a comedy.

True for many moms

[pamma09 · 8/10 · 4 May 2018]

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.

Accurate and haunting portrayal of an exhausted mother

[Gordon-11 · 20 July 2018]

This film tells the story of a struggling mother of three, whose life is tremendously helped by a night nanny.

The depiction of being a completely exhausted mother is really piercing. Charlize Theron makes it so accurate and so haunting. The night nanny is such a godsend, but the story comes with a peculiar twist. I enjoyed the plot, and I am impressed by Charlize Theron's performance as well.

Tully smashes Hollywood's glamorous image of motherhood.

[punch87 · 7/10 · 10 September 2019]

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.

Spread Too Thin

[Moviegoer19 · 6/10 · 1 February 2019]

A lot was going on in this movie; if one saw the ending without having seen the rest of it, they would conclude it was about a troubled marriage that was resolved, evidenced by the husband and the wife hugging and saying, "I love us." For me this was a weird and unsatisfactory ending to a movie that had so many issues touched upon. Here's a rundown: there was the issue of aging; changing body image; changing one's lifestyle from wild and crazy to settled and stable; all the issues of having not one, not two, but three children including the issues of pregnancy and childbirth; the issue of breast feeding and the considerable impact it has on one's body and one's lifestyle; the inevitable chasm that develops between a stay-at-home mom and a hard-working husband who also is trying to be a good dad; lack of sexual relationship for many justified reasons; post-partum depression; ruing the loss of pre-marriage and motherhood interests (in this case, she was an English Lit. major in college); homoerotic feelings and referred-to relationships, including implications of such between Theron main character and the nanny; need for self-care, respect and support; the considerable difficulties of having an autistic child; dealing with extended family; family financial issues; and ultimately the presence of subconscious dreams and goals present in both day and night dreams, impacting on her sense of her day-to-day life.

Yes, all of these were in this film, and there may be more which I've left out. Very ambitious to try and touch upon all this in an hour and a half or so. Though I enjoyed watching it, thanks to Charlize Theron's superb acting skills and much less to the script, when it finished I was sitting here going "Huh?" Is that what Diablo Cody intended? Somehow I don't think so, but then, who knows? Perhaps she was aiming for an overall sense of chaos with an ending that didn't really feel resolved.

4.0 out of 5 stars Theron shines, and Cody's script is full of great moments. A near gem that's very watchable and enjoyable.

[RMurray847 · 7/10 · 8 January 2021]

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.

Intentionally & uncomfortable

[cricketbat · 7/10 · 28 December 2018]

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.

Breast Milk: The Movie

[thesar-2 · 7/10 · 3 September 2018]

If I told you what this drama mimics, it would ruin the whole movie. And after just seeing it, the twist almost did.

So, yeah, being as vague as possible there so not to ruin it for anyone else. Suffice to say, I really liked 90% of Tully.

Sarcastic, depressed and worn-out mother of two with another on the way, debates on accepting a gift of a Night-Nanny. After several impatient moments with her middle child with obvious, but never spoken, autism, she agrees to accept the help. What follows is a series of nights where the new nanny brings sparks back into the mom's life and things are going great again.

The movie is a nice piece of reality and Charlize can really do no wrong. I absolutely believe she'll become a legend and go down in history books about movies as one of the greats. Is this movie great?

Not really, but it's pretty engaging despite it being so realistic. The cast is great, it was well filmed, acted and the dialogue felt both real and funny at times. One could argue this wasn't just lifted from someone's life.

Ahhh, but here's the age-old question: Is this movie worth spending a ton of money at the movies or just renting/watching on Netflix? The latter is true. It's definitely not a Lifetime® Television for Woman® movie as it even jokes about in the actual film. But, it's just a "at-home, wow, that was good" movie.

Just forget the twist! That was foreseen, dumb and unnecessary. It also reminded me of one of my favorite French Horror Movies that gave me high tension and had the same moronic twist.

***

Final thoughts: And movie, thanks for reminding me, once again, why I don't ever want kids. I don't have 1% of the patience needed. Whew! It's just exhausting seeing this movie and makes me glad about my decision.

Unsatisfyingly sits the fence between drama and comedy

[ccamp89 · 5/10 · 22 May 2018]

Tully isn't quite funny enough to entertain as a comedy, nor is it weighty enough to engross as a drama. It certainly tries to be both, but in doing so spreads itself thin to the point where neither the comedic nor dramatic elements are explored beyond a superficial level. The result is a film that's mildly pleasant and inoffensive but fails to leave a lasting impression. I appreciated the themes dealing with aging, the transitory nature of identity, and motherhood as an identity void. There are some clever observations on the matter here and there, and Charlize gives a committed and enjoyable performance. But it's somewhat slight, and the film goes on to attempt to dig deeper with a twist ending that doesn't quite land. It feels like it's trying to reach for something profound to give the film some much-needed impact but plays as unnecessary and contrived. There are also times when Diablo Cody's trademark sardonic dialogue veers into overwritten territory, with characters saying things that feel too much like script-talk - "I'm like Saudi Arabia; I have an energy surplus." ... huh? It's mostly fine though, but rarely more than that.

Strong 2.5/5

Mother caught up in the routines of life with a bunch of small children.

[TxMike · 11 August 2018]

My wife and I watched this movie at home on DVD from our public library.

I have always been a big Charlize Theron fan, ever since I first saw her in 1998's 'Mighty Joe Young'. She was a producer for this movie and, in the lead role, gained 50 pounds to make the character authentic. She is really great here in a difficult role.

Here she is Marlo, she and her husband are also best friends, but as often happens he can't quite relate to her task of taking care of two young children, and on top of that she is very pregnant and about to deliver their new daughter.

As we watched the story develop, and Marlo gets a night nurse, Tully, who comes in at bedtime and takes care of the baby, the story seems to be taking a very strange twist. At the height of that strangeness Tully talks Marlo into driving into New York City for drinks at night after the baby and her husband are asleep.

When the story resolves itself completely it all makes sense, the overall thrust is how what we commonly know as postpartum depression can affect a busy mother.

From the same writer that gave us "Juno" and "Young Adult."

Incredibly Misleading Promotion

[alev-4 · 6/10 · 7 May 2018]

This is NOT a comedy. It is a depressing depiction of immediate post-birth motherhood. Performances are excellent, especially Theron's. Not recommended except to those who want a drama.

Not sure ?

[maggypatrick-201-787548 · 6/10 · 16 February 2019]

Have you ever had that feeling that more needed to be said? That 's how I felt...

Fresh and haunting at the same time

[CharlesAncelle · 8/10 · 7 May 2018]

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.

Truthful and nice movie to see it once

[851222 · 7/10 · 11 October 2021]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Tully" (2018) isn't Jason Reitman's best movie - far from it. But it was a solid character study drama with some a bit unexpected ending, but to be honest i kinda felt what was going on, therefore it wasn't really a twist. The best things about this movie were solid performances by Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis and Ron Livingston. Script was solid and the story was truthful. Many moms will find this movie very true.

Overall, "Tully" is a solid movie to see it once. Its true to life and that was its strong side, and a bit of letdown maybe at the same time, as we see these things every day, and sometimes you just don't want to see it on a screen as well. Yet a nice movie to see it once.

More than it seems!

[Darth_Osmosis · 8/10 · 4 May 2018]

A heartwarming movie about a struggling mother of two, who is also pregnant with her third child. The boy is "quirky" and needs special attention which doesn't make matter easier. When the third baby is born it gets even harder for her. Luckily much needed help arrives in the form of Tully, seemingly a young hip version of Mary Poppins, who helps her with the kids and also to find herself again. The movie is funny, weird and moving. Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davies are both good in it. Glad I saw it and would definitely recommend!

Fantastic

[plasticanimalz · 8/10 · 5 May 2018]

Charlize was great, as always, and Mackenzie Davis was magical. It's a real-world take on Mary Poppins. Was really looking forward to this film and was not disappointed. Diablo Cody took a darker turn from Juno with Young Adult, which was darkly hilarious, and she again took a stark subject and sprinkled it with hope and a bit of whimsy. The film is not going to make you want to run out and become a mother but it also paints a more real look on how motherhood can be hard, stressful, seemingly impossible at times, but ultimately rewarding. It's not your glossy, magical look on motherhood, falsely advertised in most film and TV. I can't say much more on it without giving away the plot which needs to be seen for itself. But the themes they explore in the film are highly relatable for anyone whether they have kids or not. It will leave you thinking.

Never Quite Gels

[evanston_dad · 6/10 · 16 November 2018]

Tully is the name of a night nanny, a sort of nocturnal Mary Poppins who shows up after dark to take over for beleaguered mom of three Charlize Theron. The pressures of motherhood have brought Theron to her wits' end, and what she needs more than anything is a good night's sleep. Tully lets her have that, and then allows her to have even more, and through her help Theron regains some of the youth and vigor she forfeited for family life.

Who exactly is Tully? Where does she come from? What's her story? The movie does eventually tell us in a plot twist that's disappointingly predictable. The whole movie is disappointing really, but it didn't have to be. Writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman, who brought "Juno" to the screen, tantalize us with hints of magical realism, making it only that much more of a let down when those hints prove to be red herrings. "Tully" is yet another movie about adults who can't adjust to their own decisions and forego enjoying the life they have for the life they're convinced they've lost. I don't have a lot of patience with stories like this, and the same goes for "Tully."

I really like Charlize Theron as an actress, but for some reason I don't like her in Jason Reitman movies. Their other partnership, "Young Adult," was also a test of patience, asking the audience to stick around long enough for Theron's caustic, juvenile character to grow up. In "Tully," she doesn't play a bad person, but she does play an awfully off putting one. The problem is, she doesn't become more likable or relatable as she loosens up, though we're clearly supposed to think she does. And add this to the list of movies that patly and cleanly tie a bow on mental illness and suggest that if everyone just wakes up one morning and decides to try harder everything will be magically better. It doesn't work that way.

Grade: B-

This is not a comedy!

[evehut · 5/10 · 25 May 2018]

Calling this movie a comedy is so far off reality and right up there with calling THE MATIAN, which was great, a comedy which it wasn't. Good acting but the story line was vague. It leaves you saying "huh" at the end .

birth control movie

[mageh · 6/10 · 20 July 2018]

In general, it was a bit slow and very depressing, although Cherlize is AMAZING as usual. As a person who didn't have kids this movie is effective birth control. Probably, mothers can relate to it, however, watching how miserable the main character is, i asked myself: WHY? why would you want to have kids, because this movie doesn't show ANY redeeming part of being a parent: routine, exhaustion, no sex, no actual connection with the partner, uncontrollable kids and even school system that can't guide and help you. You are all alone there in this misery. BUT I do think that being a parent can be great, however this movie missed this point completely. Also, the choices the main character made: you have two kids when one has mental problems and you go and pop up the third one when you financially strained and can't manage the second one? OK, so it is surprise baby and you are pro-life, but then you refuse to have nanny/help because you want to be this perfect mother or super hero? she sacrificed sort of career, other life choices, sex, etc. It looks like her life is everything about motherhood and nothing else matters, but why? Does "being a mother" mean you stop being a person, a female, a friend, a partner? No life after you have kids? Is it a must? the movie doesn't show any "happy part" of being a parent and why these sacrifices are needed. Well, at least it made me think how not to make choice that can affect all your life...

I didn't see that coming!

[pietclausen · 6/10 · 21 July 2018]

A quirky movie of a mom trying to cope with 3 kids. It kept me interested, but closer to the end I began to wonder where it was leading us to.

Well now I know and the revelation was very cleverly done. This movie is an excellent view for the ladies, but men can learn a lot from it too by looking at themselves. I enjoyed watching it and reminisced those days in my own life.

I was drawn to this film because of Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis, both acting their roles superbly.

All dads must watch

[amarshoaib · 7/10 · 12 August 2020]

A very touching and emotional movie. Theron delivers a great performance. All moms must watch it and Dads to take notes. I guess I saw this movie at the right time

Grow up

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 31 August 2018]

Phenomenal performance by Charlize Theron once again. And a story to hold it all together. You may know where this is heading (morality or just plain story wise), I didn't, but I don't think this will impact how much you will like this. So well played and if you like a drama that depicts a certain issue very well, you could do worse but not much better in the overall package department.

Well directed and shot, well scripted, this gives us an insight into the mind of a person that might not be ready yet. And I would argue that most know that feeling. Some can work better with it others less so. It's really a rollercoast ride and one that while I wouldn't call entertaining generally speaking, it does hold a lot of light moments. Which is quite the achievement and also necessary if you think about all the moments that might feel like they drag on ... the pacing is key and it works, if you let it

Motherhood exposed

[lasasala · 20 January 2019]

I've not had the privilege of bearing a child. And after watching Tully, I am pretty sure that I made the right decision.

Want a non-mother to understand motherhood? Tully should be mandatory watching.

Most movies today invoke what seems to be mandatory montage to demonstrate the passage of time. Tully implements it as well, but to a most shattering effect.

We watch a mother after the birth of her third child deal with the relentless feeding of a newborn. It's shockingly real and Charlize Theron exposes a less-than-perfect self to near the same scale as she did in Monster, for which she won an Oscar.

The writer Diablo Cody and the director Jason Reitman impeccably portray a middle-class woman's aspirations for a better life for her children.

I credit Diablo Cody, who also wrote Juno and Young Adult (Charlize appeared in this one as well), for capturing the truth of motherhood.

Empathetic and special

[Camoo · 7/10 · 21 April 2019]

Tully is a strange and beautiful film with a lot of extraordinary qualities, and then some I wish it had gone further with. What is undeniable is that Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman craft very strong films together, with something to say, and I admire their dedication to sticking to these sorts of middle-budget, adult films in a world currently saturated with big budget comic book adaptations and TV series. It's a comfort and joy to watch a film that so respects its audience.

The film's premise is fairly straightforward. We follow Marlo (Charlize Theron) as she struggles to raise her troubled son, daughter and new baby along with an aloof husband (Ron Livingston), and seems perpetually on the brink of a major breakdown. That is until she is saved by a nanny, Tully (MacKenzie Davis), who arrives like a whirlwind one night to help her with her motherly duties. Part Mary Poppins, part Juno, Tully is at first a character who seems typical of the Diablo Cody universe - sprightly and sardonic, referencing Pinky and the Brain and rattling off facts which do not pertain to this story but completely pertain to Cody's style of writing. But then, the film takes some turns, and makes certain decisions which had me nodding in agreement; the decisions surprised me, and delighted me, and kept me wanting to know more about these people and what kind of conundrums they might find themselves in.

I won't spoil the film, but there is a twist in Tully which I'm not sure is entirely deserved, and threw me for a loop. It forces a re-evaluation of everything that comes before, but instead of the pieces all fitting neatly into its puzzle, it leaves questions, holes, and threads not well enough resolved. It was almost like Cody had written this film in a line, and then when it got to that point she decided to change gears and add this element after the fact, attempting to stuff the bulk of the script into it. In any case, I understand what was being aimed for, but I was unable to suspend my disbelief enough to buy into it, which is one of the film's major frustrations.

Another criticism is of Ron Livingston's character Drew, whom I felt was a bit one-dimensional and boring, a cutout father figure whom I anticipated would be more creatively drawn but by the end I knew no more about him than I did at the beginning, nor cared much about his and Marlo's relationship, as no relationship was ever developed well enough for them to live in.

What I loved about the film were the moments it took us into unexpected realms, and the wonderful performance by Charlize Theron who has shone in both collaborations with these filmmakers.