Tully 2018
Directed by
Jason Reitman
Made by
Focus Features
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Tully (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the opening scene, we find Marlo (Charlize Theron) gently brushing her son Jonah’s (Asher Miles Fallica) skin as part of a therapeutic recommendation for his autism. After this moment of care, she approaches her husband Drew (Ron Livingston) to remind him of their dinner plans at her brother’s house, only to find that he believes her brother harbors resentment towards him.
As Marlo, who is nine months pregnant with her third child, prepares for the day, she takes Jonah and his sister Sarah (Lia Frankland) to school. During the school drop-off, Jonah throws a tantrum, but Marlo manages to soothe him before meeting with the principal, Laurie (Gameela Wright). The principal expresses concern over Jonah’s “quirky” behavior and suggests that Marlo consider hiring an aide.
Dinner at her brother Craig’s (Mark Duplass) home unfolds with family dynamics at play, as Craig and his wife Elyse (Elaine Tan) hint that a night nanny could alleviate some of Marlo’s burdens, which she finds disheartening. When her water breaks unexpectedly, Marlo rushes to the hospital and gives birth to a girl named Mia.
Upon returning home, Marlo faces the overwhelming responsibilities of new motherhood—pumping breast milk, changing diapers, and soothing a constantly crying baby. In a moment of frustration, during a meeting at school where Laurie suggests transferring Jonah to a public school, Marlo loses her temper, believing Laurie’s recommendations stem from bias against her son.
That night, after putting the kids to bed, Marlo is visited by Tully (Mackenzie Davis), the night nanny who not only helps with the baby but also engages Marlo in meaningful discussions about motherhood. To her surprise, Marlo wakes up the next morning to find Tully has tidied up her home.
As their friendship grows, Tully bakes cupcakes for Jonah’s class, leading to a reconciliatory moment between Marlo and Laurie. However, challenges resurface when Jonah struggles with a loud toilet at his new school, causing a scene that Marlo manages to resolve with creative distractions.
On a lighter note, Marlo and Tully share a laugh about Drew’s browser history revealing his unusual interests. This leads to an unexpected and adventurous night where Tully dons a waitress outfit, prompting a playful rendezvous with Drew.
Marlo gradually starts to regain her confidence, attending a birthday party where her revitalized demeanor is noted by family. Yet, Tully expresses her frustrations about her personal life and eventually declares that her time with Marlo has served its purpose, leading to a bittersweet parting.
Their escapade to Brooklyn for some nighttime fun results in a moment of escapism for Marlo. However, after a sleep-deprived incident causes her to crash her car off a bridge, she finds herself submerged underwater, where she envisions Tully as a mermaid sending her off to safety.
In the hospital, Marlo learns from a nurse that her exhaustion has taken a toll on her mental health. A striking revelation occurs when Drew uncovers that Marlo’s maiden name is Tully, implying that the dynamic friendship was a manifestation of Marlo’s mind during her struggle.
In the end, after her recovery, Marlo returns home to a new sense of normalcy. As she prepares for the next day, she brushes Jonah’s skin, only for him to assert that he no longer needs it, signifying growth. The film concludes with Marlo and Drew sharing music in the kitchen, embracing the journey of parenthood together, with newfound strength to face their challenges.
Timeline
Track the key events of Tully (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Therapeutic Morning Routine
In the opening scene, Marlo gently brushes her son Jonah's skin as part of a therapeutic recommendation for his autism. This moment emphasizes Marlo's dedication as a mother, showcasing her love and care for his well-being.
Dinner Plans and Tension
Marlo approaches her husband Drew to remind him about their dinner plans at her brother's house. Despite her intentions, she discovers Drew's belief that her brother harbors resentment towards him, highlighting underlying family tensions.
School Drop-off Chaos
After preparing for the day, Marlo takes Jonah and his sister Sarah to school. During the drop-off, Jonah throws a tantrum, but with patience, Marlo soothes him, showcasing her resilience in handling the challenges of motherhood.
Principal's Concern
At school, Marlo meets with Principal Laurie, who expresses concerns about Jonah's quirks and suggests hiring an aide. This conversation underlines the societal pressures Marlo faces in parenting and her struggle to understand Jonah's needs.
Dinner at Craig's House
During dinner at her brother Craig's home, family dynamics unfold, and Craig hints at the benefits of hiring a night nanny. This suggestion, however, leaves Marlo feeling disheartened as she grapples with her burden of new motherhood.
Unexpected Labor
Just as the dinner continues, Marlo's water unexpectedly breaks, prompting a rush to the hospital. There, she gives birth to her daughter Mia, marking a crucial turning point as she steps into the chaos of having three children.
Overwhelmed by New Motherhood
Upon returning home, Marlo faces the overwhelming duties of new motherhood, from pumping breast milk to soothing a crying baby. This barrage of responsibilities begins to take a toll on her mental health as exhaustion starts to set in.
School Meeting Meltdown
During a school meeting with Laurie, Marlo loses her temper when discussing Jonah's placement, believing the recommendations stem from bias. This outburst signifies her frustration with the pressures of being a mother to a child with special needs.
Tully's Arrival
Marlo is visited by Tully, a night nanny, who not only assists her with the baby but also engages her in deep conversations about motherhood. This marks the beginning of a pivotal companionship that offers Marlo much-needed support.
Baking and Reconciliation
As Tully and Marlo's friendship blossoms, Tully bakes cupcakes for Jonah's class, leading to a moment of reconciliation between Marlo and Laurie. This signifies an important step towards accepting help and working collaboratively with Jonah's school.
School Struggles
Jonah faces challenges at his new school when a loud toilet triggers his anxiety, resulting in a public scene. Marlo's creative distractions help resolve the situation, demonstrating her adaptability in handling her son’s sensitivities.
Shared Laughter and Adventure
Marlo and Tully share a laugh about Drew's browser history, leading to a spontaneous night out where Tully dons a waitress outfit. This adventurous moment brings joy and lightness to Marlo's life amidst the challenges of motherhood.
Bittersweet Farewell
As Marlo begins to regain her confidence, Tully expresses her frustrations and announces that her time with Marlo has served its purpose. Their parting is bittersweet, as Marlo has come to rely on Tully's companionship for support and guidance.
The Car Crash Incident
In a state of sleep deprivation, Marlo crashes her car off a bridge, leading to a terrifying underwater experience. While submerged, she envisions Tully as a mermaid, offering her a sense of safety that speaks to Marlo's inner turmoil.
A New Normal
After a hospital stay reveals that Marlo's mental health has been affected by her exhaustion, she learns of her maiden name being Tully. As she recovers, Marlo returns home with a new outlook, embracing her journey of parenthood alongside Drew and signaling her personal growth.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Tully (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Marlo (Charlize Theron)
Marlo is a pregnant mother of three, navigating the challenges of motherhood and the complexities of family dynamics. Her character is portrayed as resilient yet overwhelmed, embodying the struggles of modern parenting.
Drew (Ron Livingston)
Drew is Marlo's supportive husband, grappling with his own insecurities about fatherhood and family dynamics. His character adds depth to the portrayal of partnership in parenting, highlighting the need for understanding and communication in relationships.
Tully (Mackenzie Davis)
Tully is the night nanny who becomes a pivotal figure in Marlo's life, offering support and companionship during her struggles. As a free spirit, Tully represents both escapism and the transformative power of friendship.
Jonah (Asher Miles Fallica)
Jonah is Marlo and Drew's son, who faces challenges related to autism. His character emphasizes the need for patience and understanding as his family navigates his unique requirements and behavior.
Sarah (Lia Frankland)
Sarah is Marlo and Drew's daughter, whose role highlights the typical sibling experiences in a busy household. She adds to the dynamics of family life, balancing her needs with her mother's responsibilities.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Tully (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting the realities of modern parenting and the pressures faced by working mothers. It captures the nuances of family dynamics in today's fast-paced society.
Location
Marlo's Home, Brooklyn
The story primarily unfolds in Marlo's home, which is filled with the chaos and love that comes with having three children. Brooklyn serves as a backdrop for Marlo's fleeting moments of escapism, showcasing urban life and the challenges of modern motherhood.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Tully (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Motherhood
The film deeply explores the theme of motherhood, showcasing the challenges, joys, and emotional struggles that come with raising children. Marlo's journey highlights the societal expectations placed on mothers and the need for support during challenging times.
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Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial theme in the film, illustrating the toll that exhaustion and societal pressures can take on a new mother's psyche. Marlo's experiences with Tully reveal her inner struggles and ultimately emphasize the importance of recognizing one's mental health needs.
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Friendship
The bond between Marlo and Tully represents the power of friendship in overcoming life's challenges. Tully serves as a catalyst for Marlo's transformation, showcasing how meaningful connections can provide support and encouragement during trying times.
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