Few men can truly understand the struggles a mother goes through raising her children with a “present but absent” father. What’s the point of having a husband when a woman ends up being a single parent? Caring for children is challenging enough—their needs must be met around the clock. When the responsibility falls entirely on the mother, anyone can be pushed to the edge of collapse.
Nightbitch is adapted from Rachel Yoder’s 2021 best-selling novel, a movie that will leave you completely off guard – whether you’re a parent or not. Directed by Marielle Heller, this bold film adaptation centers on “The Mother,” a former artist and curator played by the incomparable Amy Adams , choosing to stay home with her active toddler. Her husband (played by Scott McNairy) travels frequently, blissfully unaware of the exhausting realities facing his wife. Days turned into nights, without sleep, without a moment’s rest; a simple shower became a luxury she could no longer afford.
Amy Adams completely owns this film, and her performance redefines her already impressive range. She brings a raw, visceral intensity to the role, capturing the relentless grind of motherhood—the physical toll, the psychological nightmares, and the constant repression of personal needs. Adams’s portrayal reveals an unspoken truth for countless women: At some point, every mother reaches her limit. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more extreme, this film takes you deeper into a surreal world that reflects a reality that, while intensifying, resonates deeply with many mothers.
However, Adams’ “mother” is not portrayed as a woman who resents her children. Quite the contrary—she loved her son so much that she even cherished the chaos he caused: the painted walls, the dropped items, the sleepless nights. The problem is not her love but her isolation, which is exacerbated by her husband’s absence, not only physically absent but also emotionally unable to help her. He is a man who may work hard and provide financially, but he remains blind to the deeper emotional and physical labor required to raise his son. Although he loved his children, it was the mother who did everything: changing diapers, cooking, cleaning up messes. In this case, she had to take care of two children – her son and her husband.
Funny, dark, and painfully honest, Night Bitch is a story that speaks directly to mothers. It captures the absurdity, exhaustion, and silent battles of motherhood in a way that may seem surreal to some, but all too real for those who live it every day. The film offers a somewhat hopeful ending, but one that real-life mothers may not be able to achieve. The film will be one of the most talked about this year for two reasons: its honest portrayal of motherhood, and the inevitable debate over whether it’s misunderstood or just weird. As the film suggests, diagnoses like postpartum depression exist for a reason — acknowledging the struggles of new mothers is both real and worthy of attention. For anyone who still questions this reality, Nightbitch is a must-see.
Director Mariel Heller has created a deeply original exploration of motherhood and identity, blending drama, comedy and magical realism into a unique and thought-provoking experience. Amy Adams, in particular, shines in the role of the borderline mother, making Night Bitch an extraordinary journey into the heart of a woman rediscovering her own power amidst the chaos of life. Her fearless, self-conscious performance elevates the film, cementing it as a bold and important work that will continue to spark conversations about the hidden aspects of motherhood for years to come.
