Juno duo reteam with memorable results
‘‘Why is the house so clean?’’ asks bemused daughter Sarah (Lia Frankland), while a reinvigorated Marlo describes herself as feeling, ‘‘like I can see colour again’’.
Director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody’s fourth collaboration together feels like the perfect third part of an unofficial trilogy they began with Juno and Young Adult.
Like those two dramedies, it is filled with memorable moments, kooky characters and clever camerawork and combinations of sound and vision (a car ride involved snatches of Cyndi Lauper’s She’s so Unusual and a montage of Marlo’s initial baby-led routine as two particular highlights).
But it also doesn’t shy away from social issues. While its depiction of post-natal depression has attracted some criticism, particularly in the US, its subtle and understated handling (not explicitly spelling out what it is in particular) is a revelation and delivers a greater dramatic impact.
Of course, it helps that Tully is anchored by two terrific performances.
Davis (Blade Runner 2049 )isa scene-stealing revelation, and Theron delivers a stunning performance in a role so far removed from her last one in Atomic Blonde it’s mindboggling.
Normally, we talk about male actors transforming their bodies for roles, but here the South African actress gained 23kg to play Marlo and the physical change is astounding.
But that is just one part of a wholehearted turn that will stick with you for days. - James Croot