Tully

In the opening scene, Marlo gently brushes her son Jonah's skin as part of a therapeutic recommendation for his autism. This moment emphasizes Marlo's dedication as a mother, showcasing her love and care for his well-being.

Marlo approaches her husband Drew to remind him about their dinner plans at her brother's house. Despite her intentions, she discovers Drew's belief that her brother harbors resentment towards him, highlighting underlying family tensions.

After preparing for the day, Marlo takes Jonah and his sister Sarah to school. During the drop-off, Jonah throws a tantrum, but with patience, Marlo soothes him, showcasing her resilience in handling the challenges of motherhood.

At school, Marlo meets with Principal Laurie, who expresses concerns about Jonah's quirks and suggests hiring an aide. This conversation underlines the societal pressures Marlo faces in parenting and her struggle to understand Jonah's needs.

During dinner at her brother Craig's home, family dynamics unfold, and Craig hints at the benefits of hiring a night nanny. This suggestion, however, leaves Marlo feeling disheartened as she grapples with her burden of new motherhood.

Just as the dinner continues, Marlo's water unexpectedly breaks, prompting a rush to the hospital. There, she gives birth to her daughter Mia, marking a crucial turning point as she steps into the chaos of having three children.

Upon returning home, Marlo faces the overwhelming duties of new motherhood, from pumping breast milk to soothing a crying baby. This barrage of responsibilities begins to take a toll on her mental health as exhaustion starts to set in.

During a school meeting with Laurie, Marlo loses her temper when discussing Jonah's placement, believing the recommendations stem from bias. This outburst signifies her frustration with the pressures of being a mother to a child with special needs.

Marlo is visited by Tully, a night nanny, who not only assists her with the baby but also engages her in deep conversations about motherhood. This marks the beginning of a pivotal companionship that offers Marlo much-needed support.

As Tully and Marlo's friendship blossoms, Tully bakes cupcakes for Jonah's class, leading to a moment of reconciliation between Marlo and Laurie. This signifies an important step towards accepting help and working collaboratively with Jonah's school.

Jonah faces challenges at his new school when a loud toilet triggers his anxiety, resulting in a public scene. Marlo's creative distractions help resolve the situation, demonstrating her adaptability in handling her son’s sensitivities.

Marlo and Tully share a laugh about Drew's browser history, leading to a spontaneous night out where Tully dons a waitress outfit. This adventurous moment brings joy and lightness to Marlo's life amidst the challenges of motherhood.

As Marlo begins to regain her confidence, Tully expresses her frustrations and announces that her time with Marlo has served its purpose. Their parting is bittersweet, as Marlo has come to rely on Tully's companionship for support and guidance.

In a state of sleep deprivation, Marlo crashes her car off a bridge, leading to a terrifying underwater experience. While submerged, she envisions Tully as a mermaid, offering her a sense of safety that speaks to Marlo's inner turmoil.

After a hospital stay reveals that Marlo's mental health has been affected by her exhaustion, she learns of her maiden name being Tully. As she recovers, Marlo returns home with a new outlook, embracing her journey of parenthood alongside Drew and signaling her personal growth.