Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives her part on Tuesday emotional depth.
Speaking about Tuesday in terms of its plot structure or story beats would be a dishonesty since this movie mostly depends on the great performances of Petticrew and Louis-Dreyfus, who give sympathy and humanity to their roles. Under the care of her nurse, the wheelchair-bound Tuesday gradually dies from her disease. Billy (Leah Harvey), her mother, attempts in vain to gather money for her treatment, resulting in the upstairs of their house stripped bare. But the inevitable surfaces when Death incarnate shows up and cannot be disregarded any more.
With Zora trying to stop the bird in a frantic plea to give her daughter more time, this development Tuesday at most effective provides a compelling narrative of the denial of loss. This is the strongest mother's love. While the deed just compels her to fulfill the responsibilities of Death herself, Zora wants to destroy everything that could endanger her daughter. As the family members inch ever closer to the end of their time together in this planet, this sets the pair on a dramatic and emotional trip that pulls them closer.
Tuesday: The Fantasy of the Film Highlights Its Emotional Realism
Saying goodbye to a valued family member feels otherworldly, particularly if a mother must face the odd dynamics of her child's death. Tuesday becomes all the more real as it embraces the ridiculous qualities of sorrow, giving farewell, letting Death do its job, and the bereavement process by leaning toward fantasy components. Louis-Dreyfus makes us feel for a mother trying to do what she can for a daughter nearing the end of her life; she shows great suffering in her eyes throughout.
Though Tuesday is a slow burn that overstays its 111-minute duration, in viewing it none can dispute Louis-Dreyfus's great acting ability. With such few words, she can portray a great range of feeling. Though it feels overburdened by its own philosophical aspirations, this very ambitious picture mainly succeeds in its endeavor to present acceptance, death, and loss in a fresh light. For those who connect with Tuesday, a co-production between A24, the BFI, and BBC Film will mean the world; but, its unique character can be too much for those who do not.
The Death of Birds
Tuesday approaches its reflection on tragedy in a different way; we first see this intimidating bird appear to different people, hearing their last thoughts and worries, beating its wings before their faces, and putting out the lights permanently. We know what should happen by the time this strange creature meets Tuesday (Lola Petticrew), and the young girl seems terrified but weirdly receptive. The bird concedes and seems inspired by this dying girl's great will as she makes it laugh, bath it, and ask for some time to see her mother.
Though Tuesday is also full of heart and humor, seen via Tuesday's stoic acceptance of the bird and subsequent mother-daughter bonding, this sounds like a recipe for a bleak and gloomy movie. Zora's first reaction is fury when Tuesday tells her mother she will soon die; then, once Death is shown to her, it seems she has little option but to embrace it. But this is not what Zora does; instead, she burns and tries to kill the bird before engaging in even more startling activity with it.
Tuesday: the Background
Originally premiering in 2023, Tuesday is a Fantasy Drama film written and directed by Daina O. Pusic. While tending to her terminally sick daughter, Tuesday, Zora receives visits from Death—in the shape of a parrot with varying proportions. Death guides Zora on an emotional trip to develop a better respect and knowledge of life so she may negotiate what lies ahead.
Critics have responded differently to the movie; some applaud its original approach on loss while others find it unduly sentimental and self-indulgent. Though it has shortcomings, Tuesday is a movie you will think about long after the credits have rolled. It explores loss, love, and the beauty of life powerfully and movingly.
