Tully is almost fascinating. It comes very close to being brilliant. Frustratingly close, in fact. It is a deft, focused depiction of the struggles of identity that can accompany motherhood, but is torpedoed in the final act by some decidedly patriarchal conclusions that, while realistic, create a downbeat, almost rushed finish. The problem is, what possible contribution can patriarchy realistically make to a tale of post-natal depression, when patriarchal expectation is a causative factor?

The film is the third collaboration between Academy Award winning screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman, forming a trilogy of explorations about procreation and motherhood in a patriarchal society. Juno (2...

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