Julia Louis-Dreyfus journeys from denial to acceptance in this imaginative fantasy-drama about grief and motherhood.
Tuesday, Daina O. Pusic’s fantastical debut, intertwines themes of death and resilience with arresting visuals and innovative sound design. From the outset, we see a greasy-looking bird, the embodiment of Death, visiting those on their final journey.
Zora’s Morning Ritual
Following the magical opening sequences, we meet Zora (portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who deals with her daughter Tuesday’s terminal illness by sneaking out each morning, trying to escape her own reality. She’s seen wandering from coffee shops to park benches, often ignoring Tuesday’s calls.
Tuesday’s Unique Bond
Unlike her mother, Tuesday (played by Lola Petticrew) appears ready when Death visits. There’s an enchanting lightness in scenes where Tuesday bonds with the macaw. The talking bird is not your typical raven but a size-shifting parrot voiced impeccably by Arinzé Kene.
The interactions between Tuesday and the bird are almost whimsical. As noted by Pusic, I wanted to make a movie dealing with loss and death… it turns into a bit of a fairy tale involving a macaw who turns out to be the face of death.
A Symphony of Chatters and Change
The macaw often shifts from cute to monstrous in seconds. On one hand amusing and on the other terrifying, he confesses how he hasn’t spoken in centuries. His statement I am filthy
, accompanied by fits of coughing words like hairballs showcases his longstanding burden.
Zora’s Struggle with Reality
Meanwhile, Zora becomes hysterical trying to cope with the impending loss The two form a kinship built from misery and pain—and an affinity for classic rap
. This stark difference in acceptance between mother and daughter adds emotional depth to the narrative.
The Climax of Chaos
The cinematography by Alexis Zabé complements the intricate storyline beautifully. A particularly striking image is that of a bird curled in a woman’s tear duct—possibly one of many magical moments infused with profound symbolism.
The Emotional Conclusion
At its heart, Tuesday masterfully weaves sobering themes into a warm fairy-tale setting. As viewers watch Tuesday joking with Death—a poignant moment marking her readiness—they witness not just an endless bond but also how facing mortality can create unforeseen connections.
Death itself becomes more intimate than fearsome; these layered interactions make ‘Tuesday’ a compelling exploration of life and its ephemeral nature.
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