Director: Jason Reitman
By Alex Watson
Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody movies nowadays are a little unpredictable. His new effort Tully proves that he is still great at portraying the strains of the everyday family. However, when we lift the hood on this impressive drama there are still a few questions to be had. Anchored by a stunning Charlize Theron, this picture is not short on talent or power but what starts as an impressive story by Cody runs into trouble just before the finish line.
Marlo (Charlize Theron) is a jaded mother of two who is expecting a third child. Having to deal with an autistic son and constantly stressed, brother Craig (Mark Duplass) suggests that she hire a 'Night Nanny' to assist her. Despite some resistance, Marlo eventually relents and soon Tully (Mackenzie Davis) arrives. Soon Marlo's life becomes one of peace and routine, however, she still remains suspicious of the new lady in the house.
For the most part, Tully is a very sweet and well-observed film and the first half of the movie firmly emphasizes the difficulties Marlo encounters. While her hubby Drew (Ron Livingston) gets to have his life of work and late night video games, Marlo is juggling a son whose school is dropping hints he may not suitable for their environment. Also, she is heavily pregnant and slightly apprehensive about this unplanned pregnancy. During this opening half, anyone considering a large family may think twice after seeing Marlo reach boiling point. Feeling a shadow of her old, freer self, this character is identifiable to many as she comes across as the jaded and worn down mother who believes her life is a series of 'what if' questions. Under Cody's script- she comes across as a well rounded capable of having a wicked sense of humour but also able to scream the house down when pushed.
When Tully arrives, she comes across as almost a hipster version of Mary Poppins. With her good looks, a variety of random facts and continually peppy persona, she's everything Marlo dreads as she represents all she has lost. "You're like a book of fun facts for unpopular 4th graders." she muses to the new charge. Together the two begin to form an unusual bond and slowly Tully begins putting on a magic touch by baking cupcakes, giving sex advice and thankfully giving the stressed Marlo a break. What has been a very believable and touching story so far begins to become unstuck when the nanny appears. The story takes on an almost fantastical feel and the events start to swerve in all kinds of bizarre directions. Such as one wild night where Marlo and Tully ditch their lives to go party in Brooklyn with disastrous results.
Then we come to the ending which in many reviews has been pinpointed as the picture's major flaw. It is a clever twist by Reitman and Cody, but its delivered with the subtly of a sledgehammer. Some view this as a ham-fisted take on mental illness and ultimately it leaves our story with a number of questions and plot holes. After underwhelming with emotive drama's such as Men, Women and Children and Labor Day, Tully shows a return to form for Reitman. This is a movie that can conjure up a variety of emotions, but during the second half, it feels like he has lost control of the wheel. Which is a shame because this movie is has a wonderful naturalistic charm which if properly cared for could have been an awards contender.
Charlize Theron gives a powerhouse performance that is easily her greatest since she rode the Fury Road. Marlo is a character who is so real it hurts and Theron does a masterful job of expressing her frustrations, self-doubts and her desire to have more fun. Whenever on screen, Theron is sensational and becomes the movie's pulse. Previously shining as the narcissist and vulnerable Mavis in Reitman's prior film Young Adult, Theron proves she is his go-to actress. Credit too to Mackenzie Davis who also rings in a strong supporting turn as the offbeat Tully. Breezing into their lives with an easygoing charm, Davis breathes fresh air into this tired life and is infectious throughout. Best known for her supporting turns in big movies like The Martian and Blade Runner 2049, this picture finally shows the skill she demonstrated in TV shows such as Halt and Catch Fire and the notable Black Mirror episode San Junipero.
Tully is an effective movie by Jason Reitman, but it ending will prove divisive among viewers.
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