Review of Tully (2018) by Dave M — 05 May 2018

"Tully" (R, 1:36) is a drama (with a bit of comedy mixed in) which pays tribute to motherhood in a touching and creative way. It is directed by multiple Oscar nominee Jason Reitman ("Up in the Air", "Juno"), written by Oscar winner Diablo Cody ("Juno") and stars Oscar winner Charlize Theron ("Monster"). This film represents a reunion for Reitman, Cody & Theron following 2011's "Young Adult".

Theron plays Marlo, an overburdened mother of three. Her oldest child is an 8-year-old daughter who is growing self-conscious far too early. Her son is too often described by people as "quirky" and acts like he may be autistic. Her youngest is a newborn daughter. Marlo isn't a single mother, but she often feels like she is, with her loving, but overworked and clueless husband, Drew (Ron Livingston) offering little help.

As a baby gift, Marlo's brother, Craig (Mark Duplass) pays for the services of a night nanny, someone to take care of the kids (especially the baby) at night, so mom can get some sleep. Marlo feels like using the services of such a person would be cheating and feels guilty about even considering accepting Craig's gift, but pushed to her physical and emotional limits by the demands of motherhood, she finally accepts.

One fine night, a young woman named Tully (Mackenzie Davis) shows up at Marlo's door. The once-again new mother is still hesitant, but turns her newborn over to Tully's care, goes to bed and sleeps... well, like a baby. Marlo quickly warms up to Tully, drawn to the woman's free-spirited nature and appreciative of her help. Besides helping to take care of Marlo's infant daughter, Tully becomes Marlo's friend and confidant and helps her understand how to take care of herself - and improve her marriage.

"Tully" is original and sweet, but rather dull. The message of the importance of motherhood and the window it provides into the challenges of the world's second oldest profession are commendable, while the film's approach is fresh, but the story starts off slow, never really picks up much speed and is fairly predictable. The authenticity and empathy in the outstanding performances of Theron and Davis definitely give this film a boost, but it still only warrants a mild recommendation. "B".