After giving birth to three girls, my husband and I were overjoyed when we learned that we were expecting our first son. We couldn’t wait to decorate his nursery, and prepare for his arrival. Pregnancy and delivery would be perfect.  I imagined myself nursing in his beautiful room, and I’d be singing lullabies.(cheesy I know) Sadly this was not the case, and I was faced with some health challenges that spiraled into a nightmare. After delivery, I was bedridden because I was leaking spinal fluid (from the epidural) . I faced unimaginable pain, and it was very difficult for me to bond with my newborn son. I juggled three other children, one with special needs, and I was facing  postpartum depression. The whole maternal experience was far from the fairytale I had envisioned.

During my pregnancy, I often despised the women who had that “pregnancy glow.”  Those flawless stylish women who walked around in four inch heels, and always looked radiant. Those bitches who bounced back to pre-pregnancy weight immediately after delivery. How was this possible? I hated them because I was exhausted,  overwhelmed, and felt extremely unattractive. My feet were swollen, my hair was falling out, and I waddled like a penguin. Wtf had I become? I was no longer the successful entrepreneur, fit belly dancer, and tennis player. I was a deformed alien, with cankles.

Last week, I screened Focus Feature’s new film Tully and attended the press conference at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. This film took me on an unexpected emotional journey, one that brought me back to this very difficult period in my life.

Tully hits theaters May 4th!

About The Film

Charlize Theron stars as “Marlo,”  a loving mother of three in the film.

What an incredible SURPRISE!

During the screening Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, and Ron Livingston surprised us at the private screening of Tully.

Charlize said, ” It is not a film about compartmentalizing parenthood. It is a film about knowing we are all going through the same journey. And that we are not alone. So hopefully we can all unite tonight. And how fucken hard it is to be a parent, but also how fucken great it is!” (Love her)

During the screening I laughed hysterically, sobbed, and cringed during many of the film’s gut wrenching moments. (don’t forget to bring tissues when you watch this film)

In this film, Charlize brilliantly depicts a haggard struggling mama, who is trying to find life balance and get in a little rest when she can. As a mother, I could easily relate to her character and to many of the situations presented in the film.

Ron Livingston is “Drew,” a withdrawn and overworked father. He buries himself in his work to provide for his growing family, and to deflect from the reality at home. (another relatable situation)

Mackenzie Davis is “Tully,” the night nurse, who comes to save the day… This movie has an unexpected turn of events, that blew me away.

Mark Duplass is “Craig,” Marlo’s concerned brother, who wants to help his sister by hiring a night nurse for her.

Jason Reitman – Director/Producer has created a film that has moved me in so many ways…

At the press conference Jason said, “This is a movie that is about that moment when you become a parent, and you feel like you need to close a chapter on a portion of your life, so that you can open up a space so your child can occupy it.”

“Tully” is a brutal honest look at the frustrating situation of a mother, that speaks volumes for the lives of so many others.  This brilliant movie is a MUST-SEE. Go see it in theaters May 4th!

Last week, I boarded the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach for Focus Feature’s new film DARKEST HOUR. I attended a panel discussion with the film’s talent, a tour of the Winston Churchill exhibit, and a special reception with a cigar bar and whiskey tasting. This sensational film is a MUST-SEE and can be seen in select theaters in Los Angeles and New York, and everywhere December 22nd…

Congratulations to the DARKEST HOUR team on their recent four Critics Choice nominations for: Best Picture, Best Actor (Gary Oldman), Best Score, and Best Hair and Makeup!

Thank you Focus Features for inviting me to screen DARKEST HOUR and attend the press conference. All opinions are my own.

About DARKEST HOUR

During the early days of World War II, with the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms.  As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman).  While maneuvering his political rivals, he must confront the ultimate choice: negotiate with Hitler and save the British people at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds.  Directed by Joe Wright, DARKEST HOUR is the dramatic and inspiring story of four weeks in 1940 during which Churchill’s courage to lead changed the course of world history.

This remarkable documentary gives history buffs and movie goers a look at the historic timeline, where Churchill executed crucial decisions to guide the British army.

Gary Oldman’s onscreen performance was exceptional. It was to no surprise, when Randolph Churchill marveled about Oldman’s resemblance to his great grandfather at the press conference.

Randolph looked at Oldman and said, “And then suddenly through the door… I didn’t recognize Gary at all. It was my great grandfather!  I promise you our family was completely dumbstruck, and your whole appearance, the mannerisms, how you captured my great grandfather.”

In real life Winston Churchill mumbled, was unpredictable, scatty, and was a bit hostile. Oldman no doubt nailed this role, and who better to confirm this but Churchill’s own relatives.

I was drawn to the cinematography while screening this incredible film. The cameras moved flawlessly through the walls, and brought clear focus to this era. The contrast of natural light and silhouettes were used to highlight different pivotal moments in the film, and the camera zoomed in when Churchill (Oldman) tapped his ring and was in deep thought. The ring worn by Oldman was a replica of Winton’s actual ring.

The set design and costumes were beautifully created and were historically dead on. Oldman’s suits were tailored and were exact replicas of Churchill’s attire.  

At the reception, we smoked cigars and sampled whiskey in honor of Winston Churchill and the new film…. It was memorable, and I enjoyed it to the fullest!

The Queen Mary was the perfect venue for this celebration… The ocean breeze and harbor view was wonderful.

As you can see, Churchill loved good cigars and whiskey.

“Smoking Cigars is like falling in love. First, you are attracted by its shape; you stay for its flavor, and you must always remember never, never to let the flame go out!” ~ Winston Churchill

Cheers Sir Winston Churchill, may your legacy live on! Go see DARKEST HOUR in theaters with your entire family…

Visit he Queen Mary In Long Beach for the DARKEST HOUR Exhibit

The Queen Mary opened their latest exhibit, Their Finest Hours. This incredible exhibit will showcase several Churchill artifacts and letters along with set pieces from DARKEST HOUR, including the replicas of the War Rooms where Winston Churchill and the Allies plotted Hitler’s defeat. Learn why the Queen Mary was Churchill’s secret weapon and see where history was made!

Address: 1126 Queen Mary Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802