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.

Tully (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Tully (2018) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a quiet suburban world where the rhythm of daily routines is both a comfort and a cage, Marlo moves through the blur of pregnancy, newborn sleeplessness, and the endless care of her older children. The film opens on her gentle, methodical attempts to soothe a child with special needs, establishing a tone that is intimate, unflinching, and rooted in the ordinary miracles and frustrations of motherhood. The house hums with the soft sounds of a family learning to live with one more heartbeat, and the camera lingers on the small, exhausted gestures that speak louder than any dialogue.

Around her, the people who love her most are both a source of support and a reminder of expectations. Drew, her husband, offers well‑meaning but often clumsy attempts at partnership, while Craig, her brother, hints at the hidden pressures that come from family ties and unspoken resentments. When the idea of a night nanny is floated, the prospect feels like a lifeline and a challenge to her sense of self‑sufficiency. Enter Tully, a vibrant, insightful young caregiver whose energy contrasts sharply with Marlo’s weariness. Their first meeting crackles with the tension of strangers learning to trust, and the film teases a budding friendship that promises both relief and new questions about identity.

The mood of the story balances quiet realism with moments of bright, almost whimsical optimism. Light is often filtered through kitchen windows or night‑time streetlamps, casting everyday scenes in a soft glow that underscores the film’s focus on the interior lives of its characters. As Marlo navigates the delicate dance of caring for her children, maintaining a marriage, and reclaiming a sense of personal agency, the narrative invites the viewer to wonder how far a single supportive connection can stretch a weary heart before the inevitable challenges of life step back in.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:38

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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.

Why These Movies?

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

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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

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