Nightbitch: Embracing the Beast Within
In its least manageable moments, early motherhood can feel like an unpaid job with no breaks, an inarticulate boss, and working conditions designed to strip all that’s civil from one’s sense of self. But “Nightbitch,” a sincerely surreal domestic fable from writer-director Marielle Heller (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”), offers a last refuge: If one is going to the dogs, then jump in on all fours.
Amy Adams’ harried, short-tempered suburban mom is, by all accounts, exactly the kind of attentive, loving, and accommodating parent to her 2-year-old boy that society demands. She juggles cooking, cleaning, playtime, sleepless nights, and tired days, all while trying to hold on to the creative sparks of her past as an artist. However, as she starts experiencing strange transformations, including sprouting back hair and sharper teeth, she begins to embrace her primal instincts.
“Nightbitch,” adapted from Rachel Yoder’s Kafkaesque comic novel, is a blend of feminism, fantasy, and tartly surveyed mom-com. Heller navigates this tricky material with empathy, avoiding stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on the challenges of motherhood. The film’s mutt-amorphosis is a reverse idealism, where a mother’s journey to freedom lies in accepting her transforming self’s powerful, beastly urges.
Throughout the film, Adams delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying a range of emotions from adoration to primal fire. Her character’s journey in this shaggy, affable message movie is a testament to Adams’ talent and versatility, showcasing her ability to handle any tone or mood with ease.
FAQs
1. What is the rating of “Nightbitch”?
“Nightbitch” is rated R for language and some sexuality.
2. Who is the director of the film?
The film is directed by Marielle Heller, known for her work on “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
3. What is the running time of the movie?
The running time of “Nightbitch” is 1 hour and 38 minutes.
4. When is the movie set to release?
The movie is set to release in limited release on Friday, December 6.
5. Who plays the lead role in the film?
Amy Adams plays the harried suburban mom in “Nightbitch.”
6. Is “Nightbitch” a horror movie?
While the film has elements of body horror, it is more of a surreal domestic fable than a traditional horror movie.
7. What inspired the movie’s storyline?
The film is adapted from Rachel Yoder’s Kafkaesque comic novel, exploring themes of motherhood, identity, and transformation.
8. Are there any standout performances in the film?
Amy Adams delivers a remarkable performance, capturing the complexities of motherhood and self-discovery with depth and nuance.
9. What sets “Nightbitch” apart from other films about motherhood?
The film offers a unique take on motherhood, blending fantasy elements with a poignant exploration of a mother’s journey to self-acceptance.
10. Is “Nightbitch” a must-watch for audiences?
For viewers looking for a thought-provoking and engaging film that challenges traditional narratives of motherhood, “Nightbitch” is definitely worth watching.
Tags
Tags: Nightbitch, Movie Review, Motherhood, Fantasy, Amy Adams