Review: Tully

Image courtesy of Focus Features.

I have no kids, so I can't attest to whether "Tully" does a good job of capturing the joys and agonies or raising a child - or, in this case, three - and I don't know enough about postpartum depression to know whether Reitman's film - which is his best since "Up in the Air" - accurately depicts such a condition. Regardless, "Tully" is a very well made, beautifully acted and surprisingly moving ode to the challenges of motherhood.

In the picture, Charlize Theron is Marlo, a mother of two living somewhere near New York City who is on the verge of being a mother of three. Her husband, Drew (Ron Livingston), is an affable guy who is so wrapped up in his work and nightly video game playing that he doesn't recognize his wife is struggling. Marlo's brother, Craig (Mark Duplass), is described as a "rich asshole," and while his house and lifestyle scream "bougie," he's attentive.

Marlo's oldest is an 8-year-old girl who is painfully shy and at the age of self reflection, while her younger son is - much to Marlo's annoyance - consistently described by teachers, friends and family as "quirky" when, in fact, he has behavioral problems and a learning disability. And Marlo's pregnancy - and then the processing of caring for her newborn baby girl - is taking a toll on her.

Craig suggests to Marlo to hire a night nurse and she eventually relents. Enter Tully (Mackenzie Davis), a plucky, hippyish young woman who instantly takes to Marlo's baby and provides a major quality of life upgrade to the family. Marlo and Tully instantly bond, and the latter strangely appears to be able to anticipate the former's every need.

There is a major plot twist late in the film that, in any other picture, might come off as contrived. But in the context of all that has gone on before in "Tully," it makes for a surprisingly moving story development. Theron gives a terrific leading performance here, and it ranks among her strongest performances. And while the film has a few very funny moments, the picture has more of a melancholy vibe, similar to "Up in the Air," which I believe is Reitman's best film to date.

The screenplay was written by Diablo Cody, who also collaborated with Reitman on "Juno" and "Young Adult." While the former was very charming and the latter acerbically funny, "Tully" is Cody's strongest collaborative effort with the director. They make a great team in crafting films about women who are often imperfect, but wholly realized and taken seriously by their creators.