Book Review at bottom
NIGHTBITCH (2024) is a darkly comic satire directed by Marielle Heller and based on Rachel Yoder’s debut novel. The film stars Amy Adams as a mother who pauses her career to raise her son, only to experience a surreal transformation.
REASONS TO WATCH
Amy Adams’ Performance: Amy Adams delivers a compelling and brave performance, capturing motherhood’s raw emotions and struggles.
Unique Plot: The film explores the challenges of early motherhood in a surreal and darkly humorous way, offering a fresh perspective on a universal experience.
Direction by Marielle Heller: Known for her previous works like “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” and “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”, Heller brings her unique touch to this film, blending domestic drama with absurdist fantasy.
Emotional Resonance: The film’s portrayal of the monotony and isolation of motherhood is relatable and emotionally impactful.
CREW
Director: Marielle Heller
Screenwriter: Marielle Heller, Rachel Yoder
Producer: Anne Carey, Sue Naegle, Christina Oh, Stacy O’Neil
Cinematographer: Brandon Trost
Editor: Anne McCabe
Music: Nate Heller
CAST
Amy Adams as Mother
Scoot McNairy as Husband
Emmett Snowden as Son
Zoë Chao as Jen
Mary Holland as Miriam
Ella Thomas as Naya
Archana Rajan as Liz
Jessica Harper as Norma
Adrienne Rose White as Sally
Roslyn Gentle as Nana
Stacey Swift as Freida
Darius De La Cruz as Lemuel
RELEASE DATE December 6, 2024
RUNNING TIME 98 minutes
MOTION PICTURE RATING (MPA) Rated R for language and some disturbing content
DISTRIBUTOR Searchlight Pictures
STORY SUMMARY Based on Rachel Yoder’s debut novel, NIGHTBITCH is a black comedy horror film that follows a former artist turned stay-at-home mom who begins to transform into a dog overnight. The film explores the challenges of early motherhood, isolation, and the surreal experiences that push the protagonist to the brink of her sanity.
REVIEW NIGHTBITCH is a bold and daring film that tackles the often unspoken struggles of motherhood with a blend of dark humor and surrealism. Amy Adams delivers a tour de force performance, capturing a woman’s raw emotions and frustrations as she grapples with her identity and sanity. Marielle Heller’s direction is both ambitious and visually striking, seamlessly blending domestic drama with elements of horror and fantasy.
However, the film’s execution is not without its flaws. Some critics argue that the screenplay, co-written by Heller and Yoder, falls into predictable patterns and fails to delve deeply into the protagonist’s psyche. The film’s tone can sometimes be jarring, with shifts between comedy and horror that may not resonate with all viewers.
CRITICAL RESPONSE Critics have had mixed reactions to NIGHTBITCH. While many praise Heller’s direction and Adams’ performance, others feel that the film’s screenplay is formulaic and its tone inconsistent. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of 6.2/10, reflecting its polarizing nature.
LIFE LESSONS
Embrace Change: The protagonist’s transformation serves as a metaphor for the unexpected changes that life can bring, reminding us to adapt and find strength in adversity.
Self-Identity: The film highlights the importance of maintaining one’s identity and passions, even amidst life’s most demanding roles.
Support Systems: The portrayal of the protagonist’s isolation underscores the need for strong support systems and community in navigating life’s challenges.
CONCLUSION NIGHTBITCH is a thought-provoking film that offers a unique take on the struggles of motherhood and identity. While it may not be for everyone, its bold storytelling and standout performances make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
COMMENT PROMPT What did you think of Amy Adams’ performance in NIGHTBITCH? Did the film’s blend of dark humor and horror work for you?
BOOK REVIEW
NIGHTBITCH by Rachel Yoder is a darkly comic and surreal novel that delves into the often unspoken struggles of motherhood. The story follows an unnamed artist and mother who, after giving birth to her son, begins to experience bizarre physical changes that lead her to question her identity and sanity.
The protagonist, a former artist, finds herself isolated and exhausted as she navigates the challenges of early motherhood without much support from her husband. One night, she wakes up with sharper canines, strange patches of hair, and new instincts, leading her to self-identify as “Nightbitch.” The novel explores themes of identity, isolation, and the transformation that motherhood can bring.
Yoder’s writing is both sharp and humorous, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary womanhood. The novel has been praised for its originality and its ability to resonate with readers, particularly those who have experienced the overwhelming nature of early motherhood2. However, some critics argue that the book’s surreal elements can feel a bit over-the-top at times, and the protagonist’s transformation might not be entirely relatable for everyone.
Overall, NIGHTBITCH is a thought-provoking and often humorous exploration of the complexities of motherhood and identity. It’s a novel that will make you laugh, cringe, and reflect on the challenges and absurdities of life as a parent.
