Humanity has always grappled with the mystery of death, creating stories to make sense of life’s inevitable end. It’s a topic that remains as enigmatic today as it was centuries ago. Tuesday, Daina O. Pusic’s debut feature film, also ventures into this perplexing territory, portraying death through the peculiar lens of a fantastical parrot.
An Ode to Uncharted Emotions
In Tuesday, Julia Louis-Dreyfus offers a deeply impactful performance. Known primarily for her comedic roles, she navigates uncharted emotional waters as Zora, a mother grappling with her daughter’s terminal illness. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Louis-Dreyfus delves into a sphere of emotion that she’s never before explored on screen
. Her journey through grief, frustration, and unexpected encounters with death lends richness to this otherwise whimsical narrative.
The Extraordinary Concept of Death
The film introduces us to Tuesday (played by Lola Petticrew), a teenager unafraid of death which visits her in the form of an astonishing talking bird. This bird can shrink down to the size of a mouse or grow to human proportions, providing a unique depiction of death that treads both sinister and endearing lines. Arinze Kene voices this shape-shifting bird, bringing depth and complexity to the concept of mortality itself.
A Balanced Reception with Room for Growth
Tuesday has received strong critical acclaim, clinching an 86 percent fresh rating from top critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Although the narrative sometimes strays into familiar territory, Pusic’s screenplay succeeds by introducing surreal images and emotional realism. As seen in Festival reviews, Pusic “conjures magic out of this story,” embracing difficult subjects with ease.
The Visual Craftsmanship Behind the Scenes
Cinematographer Alexis Zabe’s work deserves special mention. His lens captures the inherent gloominess of the film while crafting indelible images that elevate the storyline. Known for his previous work on The Florida Project, his unique touch here adds a layer of ethereal beauty to the morose subject matter.
Lending Voices to Complex Characters
Arinze Kene, who voices Death, balances between terrifying and comforting tones throughout the film, further enhancing the nuanced portrayal of mortality. This layered storytelling ensures viewers are left contemplating long after leaving the theater.
An Unsettling but Meaningful Reflection on Mortality
Daina O. Pusic’s directorial debut is not without its flaws but emerges as an effective fairy tale about life and death. It skillfully avoids tidy platitudes, offering viewers a raw and sincere take on facing the inevitable end. As Tuesday interacts with death unflinchingly, she and her mother uncover layers of understanding and acceptance rarely seen onscreen.
The film opens in limited release on June 7 and expands nationwide on June 14.
