Nightbitch

Nightbitch is the new drama based on the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder. A look at motherhood and the stress of keeping another human alive as you have never imagined. More importantly it stars Amy Adams in what could and should be an award garnering performance.

Adams plays Mother – yes it is one of those films where characters are stripped down to roles – a stay at home mom struggling with the repetitious, mundane world of raising a toddler. Husband (Scoot McNairy) travels for work and is home only three or four days a week. Like most dads he seems a tad oblivious to what it means to stay at home with a kid. He loves his wife and family but when it comes to taking care of the kids so Mother can rest; he is just about as needy.

When the pressure of it all becomes too heavy Mother begins to, transform? I can’t think of a better term to convey what happens. She finds herself turning into a dog during the night. Morphing into a free spirit. These changes present themselves in odd metaphors and exhaustion induced moments

Adams is fantastic to watch as she deals with all of the changes, mentally and physically, that are ravaging her system. Is it an escape? Is it simply a coping mechanism? The film leaves it up to you to decide. Regardless the point is clear. Without freedom or a creative outlet she is going to suffocate.

The film does a solid job of showing that none of the angst and anger is a reflection on her loving her son. Of that there is no question. There are many powerful lines in the script of what a mother feels toward her children. The bond and what it means to create life. But raising them is taxing. Not to sound sexist but there is no way a man will ever get it no matter how involved or doting or caring.

Is it body horror? I don’t think so. Unlike other films this year the body horror, or imagery of scary transformation, is very mild. Mother goes through some odd things with her body as she takes on the animal form. As with a lot of this movie I feel like it is a strong physical metaphor of how women must feel after pregnancy. But as a guy I can only guess, and would never feel I have the right to think anything more than that.

NIGHTBITCH is rated R for language and some sexuality. Though I highly recommend the movie I am sure most people will have a WTF look in their eyes most of the time. Or maybe not. I can’t imagine anyone who has ever raised a child or given up part of themselves to devote to motherhood not taking away something from this feature.

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