Nightbitch is a hilarious, but fascinating exploration of the trials and tribulations of motherhood, led by a great performance from Amy Adams.
About Nightbitch
Synopsis: Based on the book by Rachel Yonder, Nightbitch follows Mother (Amy Adams, Enchanted), a renowned artist. After pausing her artistic career to be a stay-at-home mom, Mother struggles to adjust to her new life. Especially as Father (Scoot McNairy, Argo) travels all the time while she is at home with her Son (Arleigh & Emmett Snowden). However, amid this struggle, she soon thinks of turning into a dog. Mother must then learn to balance this, while also coming to terms with her new life.
Exploring Motherhood in Nightbitch
With Nightbitch, writer/director Marielle Heller and company bring to life Rachel Yonder’s 2021 novel of the same name, mainly by crafting a hilarious, yet fascinating exploration of motherhood and how it intersects with womanhood. Heller also isn’t afraid to have fun with its premise. This results in Heller balancing the tone with humor and surrealism. Additionally, the film manages to be layered with its characters. While also being somewhat subversive. Especially when it comes to the characterization of certain characters and their arcs. This winds up complementing the tone as it blends well together.
Moreover, director of photography Brandon Troast manages to keep the cinematography bright without it being overbearing. We also see this with the production design, courtesy of production designer Karen Murphy. Murphy keeps the production design simple and structured within the modern day. The same can be applied to the costumes. Costume designer Arjun Bhasin keeps the costumes simple, evoking a modern-day feel to it.
Meanwhile, composer Nate Heller brings out a light-hearted, but traditional score. One that ebbs and flows throughout the film. Finally, editor Anne McCabe edits the movie down to a solid one hour and thirty-eight minutes. Which in turn, allows the film to make the points it wants to make. While also balancing the humor and character moments.
Performances in Nightbitch
With regards to the performances, Amy Adams leads the cast as Mother. As Mother, Adams shines, playing a character whose internal thoughts and emotions we can emphasize. Adams also balances being withered (and exhausted), while also maintaining a facade. Which as the film goes on, becomes more and more chipped away. Additionally, Adams also gives pathos to Mother.
Which extends to Scoot McNairy’s Father. While initially portrayed as a committed, yet distant husband, McNairy shares great chemistry with Adams. Furthering not only the characters’ history together. But their love for each other. Even when it seems like things are out of control. Likewise, the two share delightful chemistry with Arleigh and Emmett Snowden, who plays the role of Son.
Rounding out the cast, we have Zoe Chao, Mary Holland, and Archana Rejan as Jen, Miriam, and Liz. All three manage to provide much-needed comic relief and banter with Adams. All the while subverting expectations with their characters. And finally, Jessica Harper delivers a splendid performance as Nora. Harper balances echoing and reverberating the film’s themes.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Nightbitch, Heller adapts Yonder’s book into a hilarious, but sincere introspection into motherhood. One that also explores its intersection with womanhood in general. Additionally, Heller isn’t afraid to play with tone. Thus, resulting in the film being tonally wild, but also layered and subversive at times. But, this is only complete with Adams leading a spectacular cast. Overall, Nightbitch is a successful adaptation of Yonder’s book, keeping its main themes of womanhood and motherhood. While also, having a bit of fun with its premise.
