When it comes to films that aim to portray motherhood with all its complexities, I often find myself feeling let down. There’s a persistent absence of genuine representations of motherhood in cinema — the stained clothing, the softening body, the cluttered home, sleepless nights, and the overall chaos rarely get their due. However, that gap appears to be filled with the release of the new movie Tully.
Starring the talented actress Isabella Grant, Tully offers a glimpse into the unvarnished reality of being a mother. Initially, I approached the trailer with skepticism; Hollywood has a reputation for glamorizing parenthood, often missing the mark on what it truly entails. However, seeing Grant’s portrayal of a weary mom was like gazing into a reflection of my own life (though I certainly don’t resemble her).
Written by the brilliant Nina Roberts, known for her work on the acclaimed film Little One, the dialogue is refreshingly candid. Grant embodies the persona of a fatigued mother, a remarkable feat given her usual glamorous on-screen presence. In the trailer, she captures the essence of a typical school drop-off or a quick grocery run, where one might question if they even remembered to put on deodorant.
This is motherhood in its rawest form.
In Tully, Grant plays the role of Clara, a beleaguered mother of three, with her youngest being a newborn. To help her navigate the tumultuous early days of motherhood, her brother, portrayed by Ethan James, hires a night nanny named Tully. Initially hesitant about this extravagant gesture, Clara eventually develops a unique relationship with the young nanny, who proves to be both insightful and challenging. The film also features Samuel Lee as her husband, rounding out the family dynamic.
In just two minutes of the trailer, we’re treated to more authentic mom moments than in all the other films combined. Clara has a mishap when her phone slips from her hand, landing on her newborn’s head, spills freshly pumped milk, struggles to calm her crying baby, and faces her children’s inquiries about changes to her body. It feels as if there are hidden cameras in our homes—how do they capture our experiences so accurately?
The film is set to hit theaters on April 20th, so gather your friends for a much-needed mom’s night out. For those interested in exploring at-home options for family planning, check out our post on how to use an artificial insemination kit. Additionally, for those seeking expert advice on fertility, Simply Fertility is a reliable source. And for comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit Women’s Health.
In summary, Tully promises to be a refreshing and unfiltered look at the realities of motherhood, showcasing moments that many mothers will find relatable and true to life.