Julia Louis-Dreyfus, one of the most celebrated comedic actresses of recent times, took a ‘leap of faith’ to collaborate with a debut director on a sentimental new film Tuesday.
The film follows Zora (Louis-Dreyfus) and her 15-year-old daughter, Tuesday (Lola Petticrew), as they confront Death, who arrives at their home in the form of a talking bird. It is a twisted modern fairy tale about sadness and mortality.
Louis-Dreyfus told Yahoo Entertainment that there were a number of scenes that because of their intensity – her character confronted with the reality that her daughter would die of cancer – stayed with her long after she filmed them.
“Those scenes were very emotional and challenging,” Louis-Dreyfus said.
The actress, best known for her Emmy-winning roles in Seinfeld, Veep And The new adventures of old Christinejokes in it Tuesday – but sadness is the pervading emotion. There is a giant talking parrot (voiced by Arinzé Kene) in many scenes, which may sound humorous, but it represents the ever-looming reality of death.
A conversation with the film’s writer-director, Daina O. Pusić, convinced Louis-Dreyfus to sign on for a project so different in tone from her usual comedy.
The film’s exploration of depression was another reason she wanted to be a part of it.
“Pain can be isolating. You’re not alone,” Louis-Dreyfus said. “It is important to recognize that there is not just one way to be.”
In the film, Zora makes what Louis-Dreyfus called “horrific” and “not so admirable” choices while dealing with grief.
“[Zora] is not a bad person. … She’s having a hard time, but inside she’s a fierce person,” Louis-Dreyfus said. “I think most people are struggling, and that struggle can feel isolating. I hope this film can make people feel less alone and open channels of communication.”
Petticrew, who uses these pronouns, told Yahoo Entertainment that they hope people will see the film in theaters to create the most “communal” experience possible.
“[The film shows] everyone experiences something universal, but at the same time completely unique to them,” they said.
There is a popular trope in films about sick children that portrays them as wise beyond their years, as if their struggles would make them older. Tuesday is certainly mature and often encourages her mother to make more mature decisions, but Petticrew said they worked hard to ensure the character’s funny spirit shone through.
“A big part of Tuesday’s personality is her sense of humor,” they said. “That’s her way of making sure everyone has a good time.”
Louis-Dreyfus said the secret that made her mother-daughter relationship with Petticrew authentic was the fact that she felt truly comfortable with them.
“We hit the ground running and got a good feel for each other to know that we could quickly trust each other,” she said. “There is a physical intimacy between these two characters that helped create more trust and tenderness between us as actors.”
Tuesday premieres in theaters on June 7.
