As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in the fantastical worlds of video games, I can say that Nightbitch is a cinematic adventure that takes the cake. Amy Adams, a versatile actress I’ve admired for her wide-ranging roles, delivers yet another stellar performance in this quirky tale of suburban life gone awry.
In Nightbitch, the protagonist, played by Amy Adams, finds herself trapped in the monotony of suburban life as a stay-at-home mom. As days blend into each other with routines involving playtime, cooking, and walks with her child, the mundanity begins to wear on her. However, audiences soon realize that there’s something unsettling about her mental state. Unbeknownst to many, she gradually transforms into a dog, mirroring your own feelings of being stuck in a rut.
This movie is quite unusual, captivating audiences primarily due to its outlandish premise. Adapted from Rachel Yoder’s 2021 novel of the same name, it skillfully balances as a dark comedy that is oddly appealing. It offers an intriguing, dreamlike exploration of our main character, inviting viewers to delve deep into her psyche. As she grapples with her own issues, we find ourselves similarly affected, sharing her emotional journey. Heller’s direction masterfully portrays this story from the protagonist’s viewpoint, making her transformation from human to canine both literal and symbolic.
The mother character portrayed in the screenplay appears disengaged from other mothers and their social circle. She doesn’t seem to derive joy from their company or interactions, suggesting a certain detachment from reality as depicted by Heller. As a mother, she carries a heavy burden of responsibilities, which viewers might identify with. The script also reveals her impulsive thoughts and desires that she struggles to resist. She consistently suppresses these urges, making sacrifices to uphold an image of sanity in the world around her.
However, the veneer can’t last forever. Nightbitch subtly incorporates elements of body horror as its protagonist undergoes transformation; this is mild compared to another film from this year, The Substance, but it’s skillfully executed. As she morphs into a canine, the atmosphere shifts into something captivating. There’s an unsettling yet darkly comical quality to the overall scenario. Given the preposterous nature of the plot, it’s almost laughable to discuss, but the movie wholeheartedly embraces its unique tone. She engages in self-dialogue, riddled with self-pity and self-loathing. Her inner thoughts, which we often hear, work effectively because they blend despair and humor.
Balancing tone is one of the most challenging tasks for a director and writer, especially when it comes to dramedies like this. Dogs keep showing up near her and her gradual progression is fascinating to watch. The fact that Heller directs some scenes like a lighthearted family comedy also adds another comedic layer to this film. While this movie is nowhere near the best work of Heller or Adams, their combined styles are interesting. You can tell this was a director-actor relationship with a lot of trust because Adams really goes for it in this role.
She’s an actress who can make you believe anything she says. Whether she’s playing Gisele, Lois Lane, or Louise Banks, you believe every word that’s coming out of her mouth. That’s why she can play a princess, a journalist, a linguistics professor, and, in this movie, a dog. When she says she’s turning into a dog, she plays it with so much sincerity that you buy it. This is one of her wackiest performances yet, and she’s getting the chance to shine bright and do something very humorous and physical.
Perhaps an issue with Nightbitch is how preachy it can get. There are scenes that are quite explicit in their themes of the challenges of motherhood. Although it may strike a chord with the target demographic, it can come off as a bit too on-the-nose with how clearly everything is stated. Some subtlety could have been helpful in delivering the themes. Furthermore, while this movie is definitely kooky, it should have committed to it more. There are a lot of crazy elements and scenes, but it feels like it was holding back just a little. Had the movie gone even further and deeper into the craziness of the premise, it would have worked even better.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Heller really nailed the execution with an innovative concept. Adams steals the show in this part, making me laugh while maintaining a genuine earnestness. There’s a noticeable friction between her character and her husband, portrayed by Scoot McNairy. He may not always be likeable, but his motives are understandable. Nightbitch offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on a mid-life crisis that somehow manages to be heartwarming by the end. It could’ve had more big laughs and over-the-top absurdity, but it does enough to win you over. It takes risks, has plenty of emotion, and that’s all it needs.
SCORE: 7/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 7 means “Good.” This is an entertaining piece that I found quite enjoyable, though it might not resonate with everyone. It’s definitely worth giving a try!
Disclosure: ComingSoon received a screener for our Nightbitch review.
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2024-12-07 01:40