Tully Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sleep-deprived mom hallucinates a hip nanny who’s actually just her younger, cooler self dealing with middle-age realities.

🍿 Tully: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Struggling with Motherhood

Marlo, a mother of two with a third child on the way, is overwhelmed and exhausted. Her son Jonah has special needs, making everyday life even more challenging. Her husband Drew is a loving but somewhat oblivious partner, often preoccupied with his video games. Marlo’s brother offers to pay for a night nanny as a gift, but she initially resists, feeling guilty about needing help.

The Arrival of Tully

Facing increasing stress and sleep deprivation, Marlo eventually accepts her brother’s offer and hires Tully, a young and unconventional night nanny. Tully’s presence brings immediate relief, as she expertly cares for the baby, allowing Marlo to finally get some much-needed rest. As Tully becomes more involved in Marlo’s life, a unique and intimate bond forms between them.

A Deepening Connection

Tully provides more than just childcare; she becomes a confidante and friend to Marlo. They share personal stories and philosophical discussions, helping Marlo rediscover aspects of herself she had forgotten. Tully encourages Marlo to reconnect with her passions and confront her insecurities, seemingly offering a path back to her lost youth and identity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Marlo (Charlize Theron): A struggling and overwhelmed mother of three who forms a unique bond with her night nanny.
• Tully (Mackenzie Davis): The thoughtful and surprising night nanny who challenges Marlo and offers her support.
• Drew (Ron Livingston): Marlo’s well-meaning but somewhat oblivious husband, who is often preoccupied with video games.
• Jonah (Asher Miles Fallica): Marlo’s ‘quirky’ son who requires special attention.
• Craig (Mark Duplass): Marlo’s wealthy and somewhat smug brother who offers to pay for a night nanny.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marlo: “I bet you have big plans. I mean, your twenties are great. They are, but then your thirties come around the corner like a garbage truck at five AM.” – Marlo reflects on the differences between her life stage and Tully’s youth.
• Jonah: “Quirky.” – Jonah is labeled ‘quirky’ by his school principal as a euphemism for his difficulties, highlighting the challenges of dealing with his unique needs.
• Tully: “You’re allowed to ask for what you need.” – Tully encourages Marlo to acknowledge and voice her needs, a central theme of the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,369,755
• Worldwide Gross: $15,636,462

💥 Tully Reviews

Personal Review

Tully really hit home for me. As a parent, I felt seen and understood. Charlize Theron’s performance was incredible; I completely believed her struggle. The twist caught me off guard, but it added another layer of depth to the story, making me think about identity and self-care. The breastfeeding, the constant baby crying, and the clueless husband gave a real picture of everyday parenting. I cried, I laughed, and I highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Parents, especially mothers”
  • “Those interested in stories about mental health and postpartum depression”
  • “Fans of Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis”
  • “Viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas with a twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of postpartum depression”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Thematic elements related to mental health”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Tully is a smart, sharply written dramedy that confronts the messy realities of motherhood with honesty and wit. Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman on the brink.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Charlize Theron gives a raw and vulnerable performance in Tully, a film that dares to explore the less glamorous aspects of parenthood with both humor and heart. Mackenzie Davis is a perfect foil, bringing youthful energy.
• Variety: “Diablo Cody’s script shines in its brutally honest depiction of motherhood. Theron is brilliant, capturing the exhaustion and frustration with nuance. Davis provides refreshing counterpoint. A unique viewing experience!

Audience Reactions

The raw and realistic portrayal of motherhood resonated deeply with many viewers.: Charlize Theron’s performance as a struggling mother was universally praised for its authenticity and vulnerability.

Mackenzie Davis’s portrayal of Tully provided a refreshing and welcome dynamic.: The unique bond between Marlo and Tully captivated audiences, leading to emotional investment in the characters.

Overall Consensus: Tully is a thought-provoking dramedy that offers an honest and unflinching look at motherhood, with strong performances and a unique storyline that leaves a lasting impression. While some found the twist divisive, most appreciated the film’s raw and relatable portrayal of parental struggles.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Charlize Theron gained 50 pounds for the role to realistically portray a mother struggling with the demands of childcare. She ate a diet high in processed foods, including macaroni and cheese at 2 a.m.”
• “Director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody previously collaborated on ‘Juno’ and ‘Young Adult’, making ‘Tully’ their third film together exploring complex female characters.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tully?

Tully is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV, where you may be able to rent or purchase it. Check your local streaming services for availability. You can also purchase the movie on physical media like Blu-ray and DVD from major retailers, or digitally through platforms such as Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tully, you might like these similar films:

• Young Adult (2011): Also directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody, starring Charlize Theron, exploring themes of adulthood and identity crisis with dark humor.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with themes of grief and responsibility. It has similar emotionally weighty and realistic portrayals of the characters.
• Frances Ha (2012): Captures the struggles and insecurities of a young woman trying to find her place in life with humor and honesty.
• Lady Bird (2017): A coming-of-age story with strong female characters and realistic portrayal of family dynamics, with a focus on self-discovery.

🛒 Tully Related Products

• Diablo Cody Screenwriting Collection: A collection of Diablo Cody’s screenplays, including ‘Juno’, ‘Young Adult’, and ‘Tully’. Offers insight into her unique writing style and character development.
• Charlize Theron Filmography Blu-Ray Set: A limited edition Blu-Ray set featuring Charlize Theron’s most iconic performances, including ‘Monster,’ ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ and ‘Tully’. A must-have for collectors and fans alike.
• “Tully” Movie Poster: High-quality print of the movie poster, suitable for framing. Captures the essence of the film’s themes and is a great conversation starter.
• Motherhood Survival Kit: A curated box with items for moms: a sleep mask, calming tea, bath bombs, and a journal. Offers comfort and relaxation for overwhelmed mothers.

🎧 Soundtrack

Tully features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ride into the Sun (Demo Version)” – performed by The Velvet Underground

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Charlize Theron Talks Gaining 50 Pounds For “Tully” | E! Red Carpet & Award Shows

Ever wondered what it takes for an actor to truly embody a role? Charlize Theron went all-in for “Tully,” gaining 50 pounds! It’s wild to hear how she did it and the impact it had on her.

Charlize Theron opens up about ‘Tully’ live on ‘GMA’

Want to know more about “Tully” straight from Charlize Theron? She spills the beans on “Good Morning America” about what to expect from this parenting-focused film. Definitely worth a watch before you dive into the movie!

✨ Rate