An all-female produced and directed horror-satire film about the trials and tribulations of motherhood offers up some poignant truths and cinematic structural challenges
I didn't know this was based off a book. Then again, when I saw the trailer, I thought it was supposed to be like a horror-comedy. LOL I love Amy Adams, though, she's such a versatile actress.
Incredible review! So glad to hear that the movie is more than what the initial feedback online seemed to lead many to believe from just the trailer. I look forward to watching this one in the future.
Dan Pal wrote a great review of this last week and I super want to see this! I only lightly skimmed your piece as I didn't want to know too much, but I hope to get a break from the craziness of moving (yes we finally closed escrow) to escape to a movie.
Dan doesn't do spoilers!:) Or at least doesn't warn about them. One of the benefits of a leaky memory is that I often forget what I read and learn so I might as well read yours! Also - I like to read your pieces later when my responses to them stand out more!
It wasn't at all boring. Sure, some parts were slower than others, but it was quite entertaining. The antagonist is mostly herself and her husband at times, true to life.
You have to see this movie! I can’t wait to talk about it with people. What it’s saying about death, motherhood. The colour palette and use of set, honestly. The colour palette and art design of the movie is so powerful, and Tilda Swinton’s face glows like a humanesque organism. She is so 💥
Have you watched other Almodovar films? I love his early work. Also, on subject of Swinton, “The Souvenir” (on topic of grief, motherhood and starring her real life daughter - she plays her mother)
The book is great, Beth! I’m curious about how it transfers to the screen because it is so VERY visceral. It’s long enough ago that I don’t remember everything in detail, which is probably a good thing.
I read it shortly before I read Chouette by Claire Oshetsky, and that has a similar magical realism and stressed mother theme – about a human/owl baby. That’s another terrific book.
I didn't know this was based off a book. Then again, when I saw the trailer, I thought it was supposed to be like a horror-comedy. LOL I love Amy Adams, though, she's such a versatile actress.
Incredible review! So glad to hear that the movie is more than what the initial feedback online seemed to lead many to believe from just the trailer. I look forward to watching this one in the future.
Thx Matthew! Definitely go and see it.
Dan Pal wrote a great review of this last week and I super want to see this! I only lightly skimmed your piece as I didn't want to know too much, but I hope to get a break from the craziness of moving (yes we finally closed escrow) to escape to a movie.
Wait … so you read Dan’s but not mine??
Congrats/Mazel tov on the move!!
Dan doesn't do spoilers!:) Or at least doesn't warn about them. One of the benefits of a leaky memory is that I often forget what I read and learn so I might as well read yours! Also - I like to read your pieces later when my responses to them stand out more!
Ok. I can accept that. Go watch it when you have time
And come back!
Based on the title alone I thought this was going to be a horror movie about a night nurse who torments the family she works for! 😂
This film sounds odd and boring. Was there an antagonist? Did Mother have goals?
It wasn't at all boring. Sure, some parts were slower than others, but it was quite entertaining. The antagonist is mostly herself and her husband at times, true to life.
I saw Nightbitch and Pedro Almodovar's The Room Next Door at the Toronto International Film Festival this year, and I loved how they talked to each other about motherhood. Radically different depictions. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/oct/23/the-room-next-door-review-almodovars-english-language-debut-is-extravagant-and-engrossing
You have to see this movie! I can’t wait to talk about it with people. What it’s saying about death, motherhood. The colour palette and use of set, honestly. The colour palette and art design of the movie is so powerful, and Tilda Swinton’s face glows like a humanesque organism. She is so 💥
Have you watched other Almodovar films? I love his early work. Also, on subject of Swinton, “The Souvenir” (on topic of grief, motherhood and starring her real life daughter - she plays her mother)
I have seen some of Almodovar’s earlier work and I loved it but I feel like I need a rewatch era
I just watched an incredible film that I can't wait to share my review of. Stay tuned. If you like Almodovar, this will fit the bill...
I need to see this! I love Almodovar. Thank you for sharing this link and for the movie reco
The film sounds strange, but then again, if I watch it, it might not seem so out there.
Exactly. I just came watched a documentary-essay about David Lynch like the day before so this one was far more innocent
I really enjoyed this film! It makes some great points about keeping one's sense of individualism while being a new mom. Amy Adams is amazing!
She is phenomenal. I think honestly with any other actress it would have been a hard watch but she really embodies that character
I just got a screener for this and am very much loved okihg forward to watching and then coming back to read your review!!!
You're in for a treat! I braved the cold weather to drive into the city yesterday to screen this in full "mother" mode -
It isn't playing in Canada!
That's too bad! It screened at TIFF this year. I remember that: https://tiff.net/events/nightbitch
I really enjoyed the book Nightbitch in a visceral kind of way. Will watch the film with interest!
Thx Wendy! I’m curious about the book now because certain characters like Norma, the librarian, I wanted to explore more
The book is great, Beth! I’m curious about how it transfers to the screen because it is so VERY visceral. It’s long enough ago that I don’t remember everything in detail, which is probably a good thing.
The book must be even more interesting!
I read it shortly before I read Chouette by Claire Oshetsky, and that has a similar magical realism and stressed mother theme – about a human/owl baby. That’s another terrific book.