‘Nightbitch,’ A Fang-Sharp Look at Motherhood
Amy Adams stars in the unsettling new Hulu film, “Nightbitch,” a darkly comedic blend of psychological thriller and supernatural horror. Directed by Marielle Heller, the movie adapts Rachel Yoder’s celebrated debut novel of the same name, a captivating exploration of motherhood‘s claustrophobia through a surreal, wolfish lens.
The story follows Martha (Adams), a former artist who finds herself teetering on the precipice of despair as she navigates the demands of being a stay-at-home mom whiled her husband, Ronald (Scoot McNairy), dedicates himself to his career. Consumed by sleep deprivation, endless diaper changes, and a profound sense of isolation, Martha feels her identity slowly fading.
“It was kind of exciting to explore what it would feel like to lose yourself completely,” Adams shared about playing Martha. “It felt very familiar, actually. Losing oneself in motherhood is a universal experience, particularly for women.”
As Martha’s unraveling intensifies, nighttime brings unsettling cravings and strange occurrences. She begins to experience visions, blackouts, and unsettling physical transformations. Her once-subtle canine instinct growls to the surface, threatening to consume her entirely.
Heller, known for her nuanced portrayals of complex female characters in films like “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” and “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” masterfully delves into Martha’s psychological descent with empathy and unflinching honesty. She portrays motherhood not as a romanticized utopia, but as a raw, unfiltered experience filled with both immense love and suffocating pressure.
“I think there are a lot of untalked-about parts of motherhood that can feel isolating and scary,” Heller said. “This film aims to open a conversation about those feelings, and also celebrate the wildness and beauty that can exist within them.”
Adding to the unnerving atmosphere is the remarkable canine performance of the actress playing the transformed Martha.
“It took a lot of puppy breath mints,” Heller joked about orchestrating the scenes with the dog. “Seriously, though, finding the right ‘Nightbitch’ dog was crucial. We needed an animal who could portray both vulnerability and ferocity.”
“Nightbitch,” though fantastical in its themes and imagery, resonates deeply with its exploration of a universal truth. Motherhood, with all its joy and despair, remains one of life’s most transformative experiences, and “Nightbitch” doesn’t shy away from capturing both its beauty and its beast. The film is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest recesses of self-doubt and exhaustion, a flicker of untamed, primal resilience often emerges.
What are some of the reasons why “Nightbitch” has been described as a divisive film?
## Unleashing the ‘Monster Within’: A Deep Dive into ‘Nightbitch’
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**HOST:** Welcome back to “Cinema Spotlight.” Today we’re diving into the unsettling world of “Nightbitch,” a new Hulu film starring Amy Adams that’s generating quite a buzz. Joining me to discuss this darkly comedic blend of psychological thriller and supernatural horror is film critic, Sarah Jones, welcome to the show!
**SARAH JONES:** Thanks for having me!
**HOST:** “Nightbitch” is based on the celebrated novel by Rachel Yoder, exploring the intense, often lonely reality of motherhood through a disturbingly surreal lens. Sarah, what struck you most about the film’s portrayal of Martha, played by Amy Adams?
**SARAH JONES:** What’s fascinating about “Nightbitch” is how it takes this deeply relatable experience — the isolating feeling of losing your identity in motherhood — and pushes it to this unsettling, almost monstrous extreme. We see Martha, a former artist, grappling with sleep deprivation, endless chores, and a husband who’s emotionally absent, slowly becoming untethered from her sense of self. Amy Adams delivers a captivating performance, capturing both the vulnerability and the rage bubbling beneath the surface. [[1](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-12-04/amy-adams-nightbitch-motherhood-marielle-heller)]
**HOST:** And the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker, primal aspects of motherhood, does it?
**SARAH JONES:** Absolutely not. As Martha unravels, nightfall brings about these unsettling cravings and transformations. The wolf imagery is striking, suggesting a release of primal instincts often suppressed by societal expectations. It’s a bold and provocative exploration of the raw, often unspoken anxieties of motherhood.
**HOST:** Some critics have called “Nightbitch” divisive. What do you think accounts for this reaction?
**SARAH JONES:** I think “Nightbitch” intentionally challenges viewers, refusing to offer easy answers or comforting resolutions. It’s uncomfortable, unsettling, and at times even humorous, which can be a jarring combination. But I believe that’s precisely what makes it so powerful. It forces us to confront the complex realities of motherhood, the sacrifices, the anxieties, and the sometimes-terrifying depths of our own selves. [[1](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-12-04/amy-adams-nightbitch-motherhood-marielle-heller)]
**HOST:** Well said. Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your insights on “Nightbitch.” It’s definitely a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
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