Tuesday (2023) Movie Review

The film is the debut feature-length project by Daina O. Pusić, a writer-director based in London originally from Croatia. "Tuesday," named after Zora's dying teenage daughter, is a simple yet captivating blend of mother-child drama and magical realism. The story revolves around three main characters: Zora, her daughter Tuesday (Lola Petticrew), and Death, portrayed as a world-weary macaw with the ability to effortlessly change its size. The remarkable visual effects bring Death to life, and the character is voiced with sincerity and heart by Arinzé Kene (known for his role in "I’m Your Woman").

Drawing inspiration from the memorable modern classic "Wings of Desire," Pusić begins the film high above the planet, focusing on an eye. However, this eye doesn't belong to a human or an angel; it belongs to a tiny macaw that can transform into a giant macaw in an instant. With a sense of purpose, albeit a hint of weariness, the macaw visits people facing loneliness and suffering, either on the streets or in their homes. These are individuals whose time has come to pass away. This unique character represents Death, and as the movie opens, we hear a cacophony of human voices in his head—the collective sound of everyone's pain, as described by the bird to Tuesday.

Lily Tuesday Markovich has been unwell for a long time, and her mom, Zora, avoids facing the reality of the situation. Lily, taken care of by a young and observant nurse named Leah Harvey, notices something unusual when a bird enters her room. Surprisingly, Lily gives the bird a reason to speak with actual words, breaking his usual pattern of grunts. Lily even suggests a bubble bath to clean the sticky goo on the bird's talons, a result of a previous mission. In a magical moment, Death, portrayed as the bird, shrinks and takes a refreshing bath in the sink, shedding eons' worth of soot and grime.

After the bath, Death, now back to his glorious feathered form, appreciates the quiet in Lily's presence compared to the constant sound of people crying for relief. However, Death has a job to do, and Lily understands. She asks for a chance to say goodbye to her mom, Zora, who is in deep denial and avoids answering her phone.

Zora, an American in London, spends her days pretending to work in cafes and parks. Despite her attempts to sell stuffed rats dressed as Catholic bishops to a taxidermist, there's an underlying sorrow in her actions. Zora's self-absorption becomes apparent, and even the nurse urges her to spend more quality time with her daughter. When Lily insists on talking to her mom, Zora tries to delay it, but Death, patiently waiting in Lily's ear, reveals his immense form, leading to a confrontation between Zora and Death.

As the battle unfolds, both Death and Zora undergo transformations. Zora, fueled by her love for her daughter, uses her bargaining skills to try to extend their time together. Throughout the journey, Lily, portrayed by Petticrew, exudes a mature and frustrated demeanor, understanding the gravity of the situation while waiting for her mother to catch up.

The visual effects team, led by Mike Stillwell and Andrew Simmonds, has created a fantastic portrayal of Death in the film. Right from the start, Death captures our attention with a gaze that feels deep and soulful. Arinzé Kene's performance as Death is both lovely and powerful, from the resonant tones of his voice to his goofy laughter and the meaningful pauses in between.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, known for her roles in comedy, takes on a new emotional depth in this film. She explores a range of feelings, including fear, loss, and resilience, as her character, Zora, confronts difficult truths. The story of Tuesday unfolds like an Eastern European fairy tale, and Louis-Dreyfus brings not just the psychology but also the emotional essence of her character to life. While we've always known her for her bold performances, this film reveals new facets of her talent, showcasing a radiant ferocity we haven't seen before.