Review: Even Julia Louis-Dreyfus can’t make ‘Tuesday’ not feel like a Monday

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As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for thought-provoking films that explore the complexities of life and death, I found “Tuesday” to be an intriguing but ultimately disappointing watch. The concept of personifying death as a macaw was certainly unique and intrigued me, but unfortunately, the execution fell short.

The mysteries surrounding what follows death have intrigued humans for ages, leading to endless exploration through stories and art. Visualizing death has been a recurring theme in films, perhaps most notably depicted in Ingmar Bergman’s “The Seventh Seal.” In her debut film, “Tuesday,” U.K.-based Croatian writer-director Daina O. Pusić presents an unusual take: death is personified as a macaw.

Yes, a macaw with extraordinary abilities. This bird performs its duties by flapping a wing over those whose time has come. It possesses the ability to transform in size, ranging from oversized for human proportions to minuscule and hiding in an ear. The bird also communicates with humans. The concept is somewhat unsettling yet amusing, portrayed by actor Arinzé Kene and enhanced through CGI. However, the film places undue focus on this bird as a groundbreaking innovation and driving force behind the plot, but it fails to deliver in that aspect.

The film’s exploration of the macabre aspect of death takes precedence over its human story about Zora’s emotional journey as she comes to terms with her daughter Tuesday’s imminent passing in London, due to her terminal illness.

Pusić pays little heed to the intricate backgrounds or the causes leading the film’s characters to their current situations. This approach benefits the movie by maintaining a clear focus on the present moment, but it also creates drawbacks with numerous unanswered questions about the larger context left hanging. The end result is a cinematic experience akin to a condensed short story that yearns to expand but struggles to do so effectively.

Lola Petticrew, left, and the character of Death, voiced and performed by Arinzé Kene, in Daina O. Pusić’s “Tuesday.”
(A24)

The film’s success hinges largely on Louis-Dreyfus‘ acting abilities. She excels at portraying a particular brand of frustrated acceptance, as if the universe is intentionally working against her. In collaborations with writer-director Nicole Holofcener in “Enough Said” and “You Hurt My Feelings,” Louis-Dreyfus showcased a more dramatic flair, albeit retaining the humor. Here, she skillfully merges these contrasting emotions, employing her comedic talents amidst the allegorical absurdity of the situation while grappling with a serious issue: a mother’s denial of her daughter’s impending demise.

In “Tuesday,” Pusić demonstrates impressive skills as a visual storyteller and leader of actors. However, her screenwriting leaves room for improvement. The film’s depth and impact are significantly enhanced by Louis-Dreyfus’ powerful and nuanced portrayal of the role. Without her performance, the drama would be lacking in substance. While “Tuesday” is an intriguing oddity, it doesn’t quite live up to the hype, offering more curiosity than a truly enlightening viewing experience.

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2024-07-18 18:59