Tully & Sons of Anarchy: Could a Crossover Exist?

Introduction

The rumble of a motorcycle engine, the weight of leather on skin, the roar of familial loyalty echoing through the valleys of Northern California – these images are instantly evocative of “Sons of Anarchy,” Kurt Sutter’s gritty, Shakespearean crime drama that gripped audiences for seven seasons. Conversely, the quiet anxieties of late-night feedings, the crushing weight of postpartum depression, and the struggle to reclaim a sense of self are the hallmarks of “Tully,” Diablo Cody’s darkly comedic and emotionally resonant film starring Charlize Theron. At first glance, these two worlds seem irreconcilably different. One depicts a hyper-masculine subculture steeped in violence and criminal enterprise; the other a deeply personal exploration of motherhood and mental health in contemporary suburbia. But could there be any connection between these seemingly disparate worlds?

While a direct crossover between “Tully Sons of Anarchy” universes is extremely unlikely, exploring potential thematic parallels, Easter eggs, or hypothetical scenarios reveals interesting insights into family, responsibility, and the struggles of individuals within demanding circumstances. Let’s delve into the heart of each story to see if any threads might possibly intertwine.

Understanding the Core of Each Story

Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy carved its place in television history by exploring the complicated internal dynamics of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original, or SAMCRO, as it’s more commonly known. The series expertly weaves a narrative tapestry of family loyalty, intense brotherhood, and devastating betrayal. The club operates as a tight-knit unit, often placing the “family” – both biological and chosen – above all else. This loyalty is tested repeatedly, leading to morally ambiguous decisions and shocking acts of violence.

The characters in “Sons of Anarchy” are rarely simple. They are complex individuals driven by a mixture of good intentions and a willingness to cross moral lines to achieve their goals, protect their loved ones, or maintain their power. The constant threat from external forces – law enforcement, rival gangs, and even internal power struggles – forces them to make increasingly difficult choices, blurring the line between right and wrong. The narrative revolves around a constant struggle for power and control, both within the club and in the broader criminal underworld. The show is fueled by violence, but what keeps people watching is the emotional complexity and familial bonds between the characters.

Tully

In stark contrast, “Tully” provides a raw and unflinching look at the pressures of modern motherhood. The film centers on Marlo, a mother of three, struggling with the exhaustion, isolation, and the overwhelming sense of inadequacy that often accompanies postpartum depression. Unlike the organized chaos of SAMCRO, Marlo’s world is a chaotic whirlwind of diapers, sleepless nights, and the constant demands of her children, including one with special needs.

The film delves deeply into themes of identity and self-care, exploring how motherhood can both enrich and erode a woman’s sense of self. Marlo feels lost in the role of mother, struggling to remember who she was before children. The arrival of Tully, a night nanny sent by her wealthy brother, provides a much-needed support system, but also blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. As Marlo forms a deep connection with Tully, she begins to question her own life choices and the very nature of her reality. “Tully” is at once heartwarming and heartbreaking, showcasing the struggles of motherhood that many mothers face.

Potential Thematic Parallels: A Shared Human Experience

Family Dynamics

Despite their vastly different settings and tones, “Tully” and “Sons of Anarchy” share some surprising thematic parallels. One of the most prominent is the exploration of family dynamics. In “Sons of Anarchy,” the complex relationships within SAMCRO are paramount. The father-son dynamic between Jax and his father’s legacy is a central conflict, and the concept of brotherhood is deeply ingrained in the club’s identity. Jax struggles with his own moral compass when he realizes the damage his father’s legacy has left behind. Members are pressured to maintain the “family” above all else, even when it means sacrificing their own well-being or engaging in morally questionable activities.

“Tully” also examines family dynamics, but through a very different lens. The film explores the evolving definition of family, as Marlo navigates the challenges of raising three children while grappling with her own identity. Tully, the night nanny, becomes an unexpected member of the family, providing support and companionship that Marlo desperately needs. The film highlights the challenges of raising children, the importance of support systems (or the lack thereof), and the sacrifices that mothers often make for their families. “Tully” doesn’t shy away from the realities of motherhood, and gives an accurate depiction of the challenges many mothers face.

Connecting Point: Both narratives demonstrate the intense pressures of family obligations, even though the contexts are radically different. Whether it’s the unwavering loyalty of SAMCRO or the selfless sacrifices of a mother, both stories explore the complex and demanding nature of familial bonds.

Responsibility and Sacrifice

Both series also delve into the theme of responsibility and sacrifice. Jax Teller, in “Sons of Anarchy,” grapples with the burden of leadership and the responsibility to protect his club and his son, Abel. He constantly weighs his desire to create a better life for Abel against his obligations to SAMCRO, often making difficult choices that require significant sacrifices. Similarly, Marlo in “Tully” makes countless sacrifices for her children, giving up her career and personal life to dedicate herself to their care. She feels the weight of responsibility acutely, struggling to balance her own needs with the demands of motherhood.

Connecting Point: Both “Sons of Anarchy” and “Tully” feature characters who are grappling with the burden of responsibility and the sacrifices they are willing to make for those they love. The nature of those sacrifices may differ, but the underlying theme of selflessness is a common thread.

Identity Crisis

“Sons of Anarchy” and “Tully” both explore a sense of identity crisis through their main characters. In “Sons of Anarchy,” many of the characters struggle with who they are versus who they want to be. Some are conflicted about the damage that SAMCRO does, and try to reconcile with this damage. In “Tully”, motherhood has changed Marlo, but the film explores her identity struggles and her desire to be her former self.

The Burden of Secrecy and Lies

In “Sons of Anarchy” and “Tully,” both main characters lie about how they feel, in some capacity. In “Sons of Anarchy,” secrecy and lies are commonplace, almost expected. However, Marlo lies about the struggles she is facing with her mental health.

Mental Health

Both “Sons of Anarchy” and “Tully” touch on the subject of mental health. “Sons of Anarchy” does not directly cover mental health, but many of the characters have trauma or other mental health issues. However, “Tully’s” core plot revolves around Marlo’s mental health struggle.

Could a Crossover Ever Realistically Work?

While the thematic parallels are intriguing, the prospect of a direct crossover between the “Tully Sons of Anarchy” universes remains highly improbable. The vastly different tones and genres of the two works make a seamless integration nearly impossible. “Sons of Anarchy” thrives on gritty realism, intense violence, and complex moral dilemmas, while “Tully” is a more intimate and introspective exploration of personal struggles.

However, it’s fun to entertain hypothetical scenarios. Perhaps a character from “Sons of Anarchy” could make a brief, almost imperceptible appearance in the background of a scene in a film set in the same universe. Imagine Jax Teller’s riding his motorcycle down a highway in California, and Marlo’s car is seen driving by. This could be a subtle nod to the show for dedicated fans.

Or, perhaps a future work could contain a thematic reference or homage to “Sons of Anarchy” in a completely unrelated context. These easter eggs are very unlikely, due to the tone and nature of *Tully*, but could be interesting if included.

In Conclusion: Worlds Apart, Yet Humanly Connected

The unlikely connection between “Tully” and “Sons of Anarchy” underscores the power of storytelling to explore universal themes of family, responsibility, and the human condition, regardless of genre or setting. By examining the potential parallels between these two seemingly disparate works, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human relationships and the sacrifices that individuals make for those they love. These unlikely connections allow us to think more deeply about the complexities of storytelling.

What are your thoughts? Could you see any other connections between these two works? Exploring these connections allows for a deeper appreciation of both stories, even if they exist in separate cinematic universes. Each has very different tones, but the common themes of family, struggle, and hope weave throughout.