#SheSociety was invited to witness Charlize Theron’s strong portrayal of her character Marlo in a soon to be released movie called “Tully” written by Diablo Cody, directed by Jason Reitman.
It is realistic to the point that it could almost turn you off having children. No need to despair girls, it is not all like this. Although when you give birth unforeseen circumstances may surface at a time when you don’t need them. That wave of heightened joy can quickly dissipate and be overridden by emotional and physical exhaustion. It doesn’t get easier for the second or third time round and let’s not go into further numbers. With each newborn, your time, energy and sleep is sapped from your weary body to the extent where you may see no escape.
About the story
Cody’s story was written from her real life experiences. She had not long given birth to her third child and had no illusions about her capacity to handle the exhausting work and sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn. She hired a night nanny, who came to her house at 10pm and watched over the baby until early the next morning. This is a growing trend in USA.
“The night nurse helped me take care of the baby so that I could be rested in the morning for my other kids. And it was revelatory. Even with help, you’re tired. It was almost shocking how much I fell in love with the night nurse because it felt like she was my saviour.”
Cody’s movie relates to how new mothers struggle with postpartum depression and she herself was surprised to discover how a young night nanny could restore her to life. She tells a story about a woman who is overwhelmed with the demands of parenting after giving birth to her third child; a woman who loves her children but fears being swallowed up by the role of mother and cut off from her own self. She addresses themes of domesticity and gender roles.
Marlo’s husband Drew is a lovely man who is trying to do his best for his family but appears to be oblivious to his wife’s emotional trauma. He doesn’t seem to understand the enormity of her daily struggle and you wonder what will eventually happen to their marriage.
There are some intriguing, thought provoking and surprising twists in this movie. The group of girls who attended the preview with me couldn’t stop talking about this witty and honest story.
Good movie for a Mother’s Day present.
Cast: Marlo – Charlize Theron, Tully – Mackenzie Davie, Drew – Ron Livingston, Craig – Mark Duplass
Producers – Mason Novick, Diablo Cody, Charlize Theron, Beth Kono, A.J. Dix, Helen Estabrook, Jason Reitman, Aaron L. Gilbert
Release Date: 10th May 2018
Ruth Greening holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology & Philosophy. Before retirement, she worked for over 40 years in the corporate world in Melbourne and Brisbane and progressed into senior management positions and project roles for both private industry and government.
In her 70th decade, she continues in casual roles as a freelance writer, model, and actor participating in small movies, TV commercials and User Generated Content.
As a grandmother, she is known as Nanny Babe to her grandchildren and writes from a Baby Boomer perspective on her blog www.nannybabe.com. An avid crafter Ruth actively participates in sewing, crocheting and knitting.
While she continues to pursue her artistic passions, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining her health and fitness as she ages by attending the gym, dancing and walking and thrives on mentoring others.
Connect with Ruth or our moniker Nanny Babe; nannybabegengp.blogspot.com.au/
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