🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sian Heder
- Genre: Drama
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 51min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (24k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A runaway kidnaps a baby from a neglectful mom, then pretends to be the grandkid to the mom of her ex-boyfriend, resulting in a chaotic family reunion nobody asked for.
🍿 Tallulah: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Tallulah’s Nomadic Life
Tallulah, known as Lu, lives a transient life in a van with her boyfriend, Nico. They travel and seemingly survive by petty theft and cons. Nico expresses a desire for a more stable life and to reconnect with his mother, Margo, which Tallulah resists.

Abandonment and New York
One morning, Nico leaves Tallulah, taking their money. Feeling lost and abandoned, Tallulah decides to go to New York City to find Nico’s estranged mother, Margo, hoping for some form of support. Margo, a writer struggling with her own life after her husband left her for another man, is initially dismissive.

The Impulsive Decision
While scavenging for food at a hotel, Tallulah encounters Carolyn, a wealthy, neglectful mother. Carolyn, drunk and overwhelmed, asks Tallulah to babysit her toddler, Madison. Seeing Carolyn’s unfitness to care for the child, Tallulah impulsively decides to take Madison, believing she is saving her from a harmful situation.

Seeking Help from Margo
Tallulah turns to Margo, claiming Madison is Nico’s daughter and Margo’s granddaughter. Margo, initially skeptical and resistant, reluctantly allows Tallulah and Madison to stay with her. The two women, despite their contrasting personalities, begin to form an unlikely bond.

The Search and Consequences
Carolyn, realizing her child is missing, reports the kidnapping. Detectives begin investigating, leading to increased tension and suspicion. Tallulah and Margo navigate the challenges of caring for Madison while trying to avoid detection.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Tallulah (Elliot Page): A fiercely independent young woman living off the grid whose life changes when she impulsively kidnaps a toddler.
- Margo (Allison Janney): Nico’s estranged mother who forms an unexpected bond with Tallulah while dealing with her own marital issues and loneliness.
- Carolyn (Tammy Blanchard): The neglectful and dissatisfied mother whose actions lead to Tallulah’s decision to take her child.
- Nico (Evan Jonigkeit): Tallulah’s boyfriend whose departure sets off a chain of events that brings Tallulah to his mother’s doorstep.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Tallulah: “Your Plan depended on other people. People suck, and they’ll disappoint you every time.” – Tallulah explains to Margo why she doesn’t rely on others, highlighting her independent and cynical worldview.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Tallulah Reviews
Personal Review
I was really drawn into ‘Tallulah’ by the complicated relationship between the main characters. Ellen Page is fantastic as Lu, and Allison Janney is just heartbreaking as Margo. The scene where Lu repaints Margo’s apartment felt so real and raw. It was like watching two broken souls slowly start to heal together. I didn’t expect to be so emotionally invested, but I ended up loving it.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent dramas”
- “Viewers interested in stories about motherhood and complex female characters”
- “Those who enjoy films starring Elliot Page and Allison Janney”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven narratives”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Drug use”
- “Alcohol abuse”
- “Mild language”
- “Themes of child neglect and abandonment”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Page and Janney deliver compelling performances, elevating a potentially controversial plot with their nuanced portrayals of damaged women finding solace in unexpected connections. Heder’s direction is sensitive and insightful.
- IndieWire: “Sian Heder’s ‘Tallulah’ navigates tricky emotional territory with surprising grace. While the premise may be outlandish, the film grounds itself in the genuine struggles of its characters, making for a thought-provoking and ultimately moving experience.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Ellen Page and Allison Janney was amazing.: Most viewers praised the strong performances and the exploration of unconventional family dynamics.
The ending left some viewers wanting more closure, but others appreciated the ambiguity.: The film’s ending divided opinions, with some desiring resolution and others appreciating its open-ended nature.
Overall Consensus: A well-acted drama that explores unconventional family dynamics and the complexities of motherhood, though the ending may leave some viewers wanting more.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Sian Heder got the idea for the film when she was working as a nanny when she first moved to L.A.”
- “This is the third collaboration between Ellen Page and Allison Janney, following ‘Juno’ and ‘Touchy Feely’.”
- “The movie was filmed in New York City.”
🖥️ How to Watch Tallulah?
Tallulah is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Tallulah, you might like these similar films:
- Juno (2007): Features Elliot Page in a lead role, dealing with themes of unplanned pregnancy and unconventional family dynamics.
- The Kids Are All Right (2010): Explores modern family structures, featuring complicated relationships and unconventional parenting.
- Frances Ha (2012): Captures the struggles of a young woman trying to find her place in New York City, dealing with themes of friendship and identity.
🛒 Tallulah Related Products
- Juno (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Enjoy the soundtrack that made Ellen Page famous in another coming-of-age story. It’s a great collection of indie and folk songs that perfectly captures the film’s quirky and heartfelt spirit.
- Orange is the New Black: Seasons 1-7 [DVD]: Own the complete series where Sian Heder was a writer. It showcases her talent for crafting compelling female characters and stories.
- Baby Doll Outfit for 18 inch Dolls: Dress your favorite 18 inch doll as a toddler, to replicate some scenes from the movie. The soft fabric and secure closures make it safe for play and display.
- Van Life: Your Guide to Freedom and Adventure on the Road: Inspired by Lu’s van dwelling lifestyle, this guide offers tips and inspiration for anyone dreaming of life on the road.
🎧 Soundtrack
Tallulah features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Tallulah is about a young woman living off-grid who impulsively kidnaps a child from a neglectful mother. She then seeks help from the estranged mother of her ex-boyfriend, leading to complex relationships and moral dilemmas.
Tallulah was filmed primarily in New York City and the United States.
Tallulah is not based on a specific true story, but writer/director Sian Heder drew inspiration from her own experiences working as a babysitter.
At the end of Tallulah, Tallulah confesses to the kidnapping and Madison is returned to her mother. The future for all characters is left somewhat ambiguous, highlighting the film’s themes of motherhood and attachment.
🔥 Bonus Content
CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Tallulah Bankhead 🌊 Alfred Hitchcock’s LIFEBOAT from STEVE HAYES
Want to know what made Tallulah Bankhead’s performance in Lifeboat so remarkable? This review dives deep into the film’s themes and her amazing acting – totally worth a watch!
Why Tallulah Bankhead Was One of Hollywood’s Most Unconventional Movie Stars?
Ever wondered what made Tallulah Bankhead such a groundbreaking figure in Hollywood? This video is a deep dive into her life and career, and you’ll understand exactly why she was one of a kind!
Bette Davis Tells A Story About Running Into Tallulah Bankhead
Bette Davis tells a hilarious story about running into Tallulah Bankhead at a Hollywood party. It’s a super short and entertaining clip that perfectly captures Tallulah’s larger-than-life personality.
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