Tully

Tully

Year: 2018

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Jason Reitman

DramaComedy

Overwhelmed by the challenges of motherhood and caring for a newborn, a woman receives a night nanny from her brother. Initially resistant to the help, she gradually connects with the energetic and insightful young caregiver, Tully. As their bond deepens, the woman finds an unexpected friend and confidante who helps her navigate the complexities of balancing motherhood with her own personal identity and well-being.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Tully yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Tully (2018) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Tully (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

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.

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:07

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Tully?

Still wondering what the ending of Tully (2018) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

In the end, Tully’s visit to his father in the asylum marks a pivotal moment in his emotional journey. It becomes clear that the person who has truly believed in and supported him throughout was Mr. Hunham, the strict teacher. Tully’s initial feelings of resentment and alienation turn into deep gratitude when he realizes that it was his teacher who took him to meet his father. Mr. Hunham’s selfless act of confessing his role in their meeting, accepting the consequences and ultimately getting fired, signifies his genuine care and the importance of their bond. This act of sacrifice transforms Tully’s understanding of loyalty, mentorship, and human connection. What started as a rebellious attitude and feelings of abandonment becomes a powerful story of forgiveness, respect, and emotional growth. Tully’s journey reveals that beneath his tough exterior and outward rebellions, there is a desire for acceptance and meaningful relationships. The ending underscores the idea that sometimes, through vulnerability and connection, even the most hardened individuals can find love, compassion, and understanding. Ultimately, Tully’s story is one of self-discovery, where he learns that true strength lies in genuine bonds and that those bonds can come from the most unexpected sources. The resolution emphasizes that the power of authentic relationships can heal wounds and help individuals find clarity and peace, even in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44

Unlock the Full Story of Tully

Don't stop at just watching — explore Tully in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Tully is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Tully Timeline

Track the full timeline of Tully with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Tully Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tully

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Tully. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tully

Tully Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Tully? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Tully Ending Explained

More About Tully

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tully: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Tully

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