In Tully (2018), the story begins with Marlo, a mother of three who is exhausted by the relentless demands of parenting and the pressures of daily life. When her wealthy brother offers to hire a night nanny to help with her newborn, Marlo reluctantly agrees. The arrival of Tully, the young caregiver, brings a sense of relief and companionship, offering Marlo a chance to breathe amidst the chaos. What begins as a simple arrangement unfolds into a deeper exploration of motherhood, identity, and the unseen struggles that many women endure after childbirth.
The theme of postpartum depression appears through Marlo's overwhelming fatigue, emotional disconnection, and feelings of being consumed by motherhood. The film portrays her struggles with sensitivity, showing how easily women's mental health challenges can be overlooked or dismissed as part of the “normal” experience of parenting. Through her interactions with Tully, Marlo's internal battles become visible—revealing the silent toll of sleepless nights, societal expectations, and the loss of self. The film underscores the importance of recognizing postpartum depression as a serious mental health issue, while also highlighting how support and empathy can help break through the isolation.
By the end, the film leaves viewers reflecting on the complexity of motherhood, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the need for open conversations about women's mental health. It is both a raw and compassionate portrait of postpartum depression and a reminder of the importance of care—for oneself and others. For more details you can explore the film's official page on IMDB.