Tully

Tully

Year: 2018

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Jason Reitman

Echo Score: 75

Budget: $13M

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) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how Tully (2018) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind 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

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about psychological journeys and self-discovery like Tully

Character-driven stories exploring mental breakdowns and the path to healing.If you appreciated the deep dive into Marlo's psyche in Tully, you'll find similar stories here. This collection features movies like Tully that focus on mental health, identity crises, and the quiet, profound journey of self-discovery and healing after a breakdown.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread follow a protagonist grappling with internal turmoil, often triggered by life pressures like motherhood, work, or grief. The story builds steadily towards a climax that reveals the depth of their psychological struggle, which can be depicted literally or through metaphorical or dreamlike elements. The arc typically concludes with a moment of catharsis and a step towards integration and recovery.

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These films are grouped together for their shared focus on internal conflict over external plot. They prioritize emotional authenticity, employ a steady, contemplative pace to build psychological depth, and balance heavy themes with a ultimately hopeful or bittersweet resolution, creating a deeply resonant and cathartic viewing experience.

Grounded and bittersweet family dramas like Tully

Honest and emotionally resonant stories about the complexities of modern families.For viewers who connected with the authentic portrayal of motherhood and family dynamics in Tully, this section highlights similar movies. Discover other films like Tully that explore the exhausting, bittersweet, and ultimately rewarding complexities of family life with emotional honesty.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often a parent, navigating the relentless demands of family while their own identity and well-being are stretched to the limit. Conflict arises from internal pressure and the gap between expectation and reality. The story finds its resolution not in a dramatic escape, but in a hard-won acceptance, a renewed appreciation for small moments, and a stabilized, if imperfect, family unit.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific tonal blend: they are bittersweet, balancing the bleakness of real struggle with glimmers of hope and warmth. They feature a steady pacing that mirrors the rhythm of daily life, a medium emotional weight that feels impactful without being devastating, and a focus on authentic, often exhausting, family dynamics.

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 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tully, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Tully Summary

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 Spoiler-Free Summary

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Tully Spoiler-Free Summary

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.

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