Tully - A raw look at the realities of motherhood - 4 stars

'Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials.' Meryl Streep

Can they truly capture all of the highs and lows of motherhood in one film?  

Russelling Reviews: 4 stars

Motherhood offers different shared experiences like the birthing process and sleep deprivation, but for most women, their child-rearing journey does prove to have aspects that are unique to them. It is a bittersweet part of life that provides great days of celebration and can deliver exceptional heartache for most mothers. Despite these extreme highs and lows, the vast majority of ladies would not give it up for anything. Many of the stories of mothers depicted on the big screen tend to be unrealistic or even offensive, but every once in a while there is a film that touches on the realistic aspects of maternity that manages to lead to laughter and tears while tapping into the beauty of the relationship between mother and child. 

Marlo (Charlize Theron) is overwhelmed with life and feels like she is on the non-stop treadmill of being a mother and wife. She and her husband, Drew (Ron Livingston), have two children in primary school and with another on the way, they are just trying to make things work within their humble existence. Having problems that range from their kindergartener struggling with being on the spectrum, not knowing how they will make ends meet when their baby comes into the world and the disconnection within their marriage all seems a bit much at times. 

Then one night over dinner, Marlo’s wealthy brother offers to hire a night nanny for his sister. At first, the couple does not like the idea of having a stranger in their home through the night, but after an exasperating day, Marlo accepts the help. Upon arrival to the family home, Tully (Mackenzie Davis) proves to be more than a nanny. Her familiarity and free spirit are disarming and unconventional, but she becomes an invaluable part of the family until the revelation of her true identity comes out.

Tully is difficult to summarise, except that the script comes from the creative team behind Juno and Young Adult. With the offbeat stylings of Academy Award-winning writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman at the epicentre of this inventive story, this becomes a cinematic journey that delivers a divergent point of view. This collaborative pair has no problem drawing back the curtain on some of life’s taboo topics and allowing audiences to laugh at those aspects that are usually only shown in more dramatic films. With this venture into motherhood, they prove that the chasm between some of life’s most significant pain and funniest moments is not as vast as one would think. 

This description is meant to provide all who choose to attend this film with a means of bracing themselves for a combination of confronting and biting commentary combined with exceptionally endearing and tender moments. The harsh realities presented in the script work on screen because of the commitment from each member of the cast. Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis embody each of these roles with a convincing reality that manages to convey an air of uncertainty paired with a desire to see them prevail in all that comes into their lives. Thier relationship touches on the raw nerves of a mother's existence and  pushes to expose the inner desire for friendship that can provide an escape from this world of normalcy. 

Audiences will be disappointed if they go to see Tully and expect it to meet the conventions of traditional comedies or a dramatic depiction parenthood. Another group that will have an issue with this film are those who want a feel-good movie where all things get wrapped up at the end instead of an unorthodox means of storytelling. It is indeed for the fans of the Cody / Reitman combination to enjoy but will connect with the microcosm of middle-class parents who just want to make things work out in the lives of their family. Most of the humour would be difficult to appreciate unless you have experienced the realities that unfold on the screen. This tale proves to be a disturbingly, brilliant film that will make audiences laugh, cry and stretch their perspectives on life. 

Reel Dialogue: What can we really know about God's view on motherhood? 

Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

It can be said, that God created mankind, but to say He created fathers and mothers, is not too much of a stretch. God is able to specifically convey some of his marvellous traits through the beautiful role of mothers. The role and struggles of mothers in Tully provides a depiction of motherhood that is one of love wrapped in protection, care and sacrifice. The creative team also manage to show the great needs of parents in all stages of the journey. 

People may have different experiences with their mothers, but in God’s original plan, it can be seen that the wonderful traits of mothers are a reflection of His traits to care and love for his children. Also, the Bible shows how the community need to provide care for the women who sacrifice so much for their families. 

Where do you go in the Bible to find the answers? Genesis 1-2, Proverbs 22: 22-25, Proverbs 31, Ephesians 6:2 

Post-natal challenges:If you are struggling with post-natal issues similar to the lead character in Tully,a good resource for help is PANDA.

'Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and early parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and their families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression, a serious illness that affects up to one in five expecting or new mums and one in ten expecting or new dads.'

Trailer for film

Written by Russell Matthews based on a five-star rating system @ Russelling Reviews #russellingrevs #reeldialogue #tully #charlizetheron