Is motherhood turning women into animals in Nightbitch?

In the film Nightbitch, which is based on Rachel Yoder's 2021 novel, actress Amy Adams portrays a stay-at-home mother navigating the challenges and transformations of motherhood. The story unfolds as she walks away from her career as an artist to devote herself to raising her two-and-a-half-year-old child. This narrative emphasizes the often unspoken grief of losing one's pre-parent identity and explores themes of magic realism, linking the experience of motherhood to the naturalistic impulses and changes that can feel akin to becoming an animal. As Adams reflects on her own experience of motherhood, she shares insights into her struggles to balance her career and intense desire to be with her child. She notes that returning to work quickly resulted in feelings of guilt and shame about leaving her daughter. The film's intention is to create an open dialogue for women to express these emotions, making the experiences of motherhood more visible and relatable. Director Marielle Heller draws from her long-term relationship with her husband, aiming to present a nuanced portrayal of parenting that avoids the trope of the villainized partner. Heller highlights the complexity of motherhood not just as a role of nurturing the next generation but as a profound personal transformation that impacts a woman’s entire being. After screenings, the reactions of male viewers vary, showcasing the contrast in perspectives between genders regarding the film's themes. While men may feel confused or horrified by realistic depictions of motherhood, women resonate with the emotional authenticity. Thankfully, the film serves as more than entertainment; it aims to start essential conversations about the complexities and often-overlooked truths of being a mother.