Robert Bouffard
Student Writer
Premiering at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and starring academy award winning actress Charlize Theron, Tully provides a comedic, yet dramatic look at parenting. Even with the theme of parenting, Tully proves relatable to college students in the way it looks at the process of maturing and growing up.
What it’s about
Marlo, the main character is a 40-something mother of two with a third on the way. Her life is difficult enough as it is, with her son struggling in school, her husband not bringing in quite enough money to support the family and her pregnancy adding even more unwanted stress and tiredness. Marlo’s brother suggests they hire a night nanny, who comes and takes care of the baby so the parents have some time and space to rest.
As the plot goes on, it is clear this movie is about what it’s like to grow up, change and mature. Marlo used to be a free spirit who would think deeply about life before she got married and had kids. But this maturation caused her to grow and change. The movie comments on the way this process occurs in people’s lives in a powerful way.
It’s like real life
One of the best things this movie does well is portray life the way it is. Oftentimes, movies will show home life as being messy, but quirky and fun. In a sense, it is saying that on top of all this mess, this family really loves each other. But Tully shows a home life that is legitimately messy. There is definitely love between the parents and their children, but it’s portrayed more practically. The parents take care of the kids, eat dinner and go to their separate rooms at the end of the night. It simply portrays life the way it is.
The movie wants to make you think about this point in life (which for us is in the future), especially once Marlo’s past is revealed. It is raw and realistic, and unapologetically so. In the minds of the filmmakers, it is important to think about life – where you’ve come from and where you’re going – and they will drive home that point the whole way through.
Overall
Tully doesn’t sugarcoat any of what it’s showing. There are lots of chances for it to do so, but it stays its course. It will leave you contemplating your future, especially the married life and parenthood. But it will be more preparatory, instead of trying to get you to stay away.
You can see Tully at Parmer Cinema on Friday October 26 at 6 and 9 p.m. and Saturday the 27th at 3, 6 and 9 p.m.
Image retrieved from imdb.com.