The upcoming film Nightbitch, based on Rachel Yoder’s 2019 novel, is a unique exploration of the complexities of motherhood, starring Amy Adams.
Directed by Marielle Heller, the film centers on an unnamed woman (Adams) who leaves her career as an artist to stay home with her young son, while her husband continues working.
As she adjusts to the demands of full-time parenting, she begins to identify more with feral, canine behavior, fiercely protective of her child and increasingly losing touch with reality.
Nightbitch is more than just a strange, fantastical tale; it serves as a metaphor for the intense, often isolating experiences of motherhood.
As noted by Entertainment Weekly’s Maureen Lee Lenker, it is “a playful, creative, and brutally honest portrayal of being a mom,” highlighting the balance (or lack thereof) that many women struggle to find.
Vanity Fair’s Hillary Busis emphasizes that the film doesn’t suggest parenting “ruins” life but reflects on the monotony and challenges of caring for a small child.
As the mother’s perception blurs between fantasy and reality—complete with the body-horror-esque transformation of growing fur, extra nipples, and a tail—Nightbitch taps into deeper truths about identity, loss, and the primal instincts that surface in parenting.
Heller, known for her work on A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Can You Ever Forgive Me?, blends elements of magical realism with raw emotion.
Amy Adams, whose previous roles include Arrival and American Hustle, described the film’s exploration of motherhood as deeply personal.
In an interview, she reflected on her character’s journey as one of self-discovery through the act of mothering, leading her to reconnect with something “bigger and primal.”
The film, which runs for 98 minutes, has received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising Adams’ performance.
Lenker noted that Nightbitch goes beyond portraying the isolation of motherhood, bringing a fable-like quality to its exploration of identity loss and transformation.
Sara Clements of Pajiba lauded Adams for delivering a “beast of a performance,” while Jourdain Searles of Little White Lies acknowledged the “universal truths” embedded in the narrative.
However, some critics felt the film did not fully explore its themes. Natalia Keogan of the AV Club argued that while the film reflects the everyday realities of motherhood, it fails to delve into the societal pressures that contribute to the feelings of unfulfillment many women experience.
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