Tuesday Movie Review (2023)
A unique and quirky film about a mother and daughter’s encounter with Death, Tuesday is a mythic story that keeps you on your toes.
I am always interested in A24 movies. An entertainment company that often releases films that are a little off-center, that is my bread and butter. They can be hit or miss (i.e. I think The Legend of Ochi and Eddington are seriously lacking, while Mid90s and Love Lies Bleeding are really good), but you can always expect something a little bit different.
Tuesday is about a teenage girl named Tuesday, who has a terminal illness, and her single mother Zora. While Tuesday’s nurse is at the house and Zora is away, Death (a large macaw) arrives to take Tuesday. Tuesday begins a conversation with Death, and the two become friends, so she asks if she can speak to her mother before she goes. When Zora finally arrives, things don’t go as planned.
I knew absolutely nothing about this film before I hit play, so the entire story was a surprise to me. I also found myself audibly gasping several times and mesmerized by where this was all going.
Tuesday is a likeable character who feels neglected by her mother, who she loves so deeply. She has no friends and her nurse doesn’t really talk to her, so when Death arrives, he is welcome. I found it fascinating that she is welcoming both a friend and welcoming death. There are lots of philosophical conversations just waiting to be had right there.
Zora is a desperate and broken woman who has become incredibly selfish and distant, likely out of her own need for survival. She loves her daughter, but she has lost the ability to connect. It’s a defense mechanism that works against them both.
Tuesday and Death find a common ground in that no one wants to be close to them. Death’s only job is to hear the begging and pleas of those dying and Tuesday is a gentle soul, also alone in her experience.
Lola Petticrew and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are excellent as daughter and mother. And as complicated as Zora can be, Louis-Dreyfus had some of the best moments on screen that I’ve ever seen her in. I’m so glad she had this opportunity to show off some hidden chops.
Defining Tuesday as a fantasy dramedy that is rooted in reality, I can see where some people will love this and some will hate it, but I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. There are a few visual peculiarities that are easily brushed off if you commit to the story, and I specifically loved Death’s bathing scene (watch for it). But the other question to ponder with this film – what would it be like if Death was suddenly otherwise occupied? A super interesting movie.
Runtime: 110 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? I got choked up
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Available: Free on Max, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
