Review: Amy Adams plays a harried mom who unleashes her own liberation in ‘Nightbitch’
As a mother myself who has experienced those sleepless nights and endless days, I can wholeheartedly relate to Amy Adams’ character in “Nightbitch.” The movie captures the essence of early motherhood with such raw authenticity that it feels like a breath of fresh air.
At times that are most challenging, early parenthood can seem like an unpaid position without any time off, a silent supervisor, and work conditions that slowly erode your sense of self-respect. However, the darkly humorous domestic tale “Nightbitch,” directed by Marielle Heller (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”), offers a possible sanctuary: If you’re feeling like you’re losing yourself, then embrace the change wholeheartedly and join the ranks of those who have gone ‘to the dogs.’
In essence, Amy Adams portrays a suburban mother who is constantly busy and somewhat irritable, yet she embodies the ideal nurturing, caring, and adaptable parent to her 2-year-old son as expected (or even required) by society: always present for meals, chores, and play; enduring sleepless nights and exhausted days; joining librarian-led storytime sessions with moms who appear more organized; ready to step in when dad (Scoot McNairy) returns from his work trips, lacking knowledge about child care.
It appears that motherhood hasn’t entirely erased her artistic side or extinguished her playful spirit, as she and her toddler seem to enjoy pretending they are puppies together. However, it seems there is more going on beneath the surface – a primal instinct perhaps. She has become increasingly territorial, picking up more scents, and drawing in friendly dogs from the neighborhood at the park, almost like a pack calling to her. It’s as if she is transforming in some way that feels eerily reminiscent of a David Cronenberg film: mysterious new growths of hair on her back, teeth becoming sharper, and an increasing number of small creatures found dead each morning on the doorstep.
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Under the direction of Marielle Heller, Adams’ latest production, an intriguing household drama with a dreamlike quality, has elicited a diverse response. The performer is receiving heartfelt feedback from mothers who find resonance in the film.
In a different phrasing, “Nightbitch,” based on Rachel Yoder’s unique comic novel with Kafkaesque elements, is not your typical horror movie about physical transformations, despite the unsettling images of a tail growing. For mothers or those sensitive to indignities, the story might resonate deeply. The main character expresses many of these feelings, but it’s more impactful when we can sense them. For instance, the darkly funny sequences depicting the monotony of parenting serve as rebellious gestures against every movie or advertisement that has ever edited heartwarming home moments into unattainable idyllic images of Hallmark-style warmth.
The movie portrays a transformation from ordinary to extraordinary for its canine protagonist, which can be seen as a form of reverse romanticism. This transformation is the struggling mother’s journey towards independence, achieved through the acceptance and embracement of her transforming self’s potent, animalistic instincts and enhanced senses, rather than trying to suppress them. A perceptive and astute librarian character (Jessica Harper) serves as a guide at crucial moments, along with a mysterious book detailing the secret past of enchanted women, and a clearer recollection of her loving mother (Kerry O’Malley), who might have had her own covert, liberating nighttime adventures.
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‘The movie ‘Nightbitch,’ much like actual motherhood, may not appeal to everyone. However, some initial criticisms of the film by certain viewers appear to overlook the reasons why it could strike a chord with women.’
This material is challenging as it combines themes of feminism, fantasy, and witty portrayals of motherhood. Director Heller, who has a knack for making scenes feel comforting and compassionate, skillfully steers clear of pitfalls such as turning the child character (played by twins Emmett and Arleigh Snowden) into a villain or using McNairy’s character solely as a punchline for marital humor. However, there are instances where the narrative feels overly simplified, hinting that a more complex and potent story may have been abandoned in favor of easily digestible entertainment centered around the Hidden Lives of Mothers.
In every instance, it’s the powerful portrayal of Adams that stands out distinctly. When she’s cast in demanding roles that require both physicality and subtlety – her eyes expressing admiration as well as primitive passion – she excels effortlessly, meeting the demands of “Nightbitch” at every turn: whether it’s lighthearted or ominous, wild or enraged, and everything in between. Although her character remains unnamed in this quirky, endearing film, her performance resonates with strong purpose.
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2024-12-06 19:31