Nightbitch, now streaming on Hulu, offers a unique cinematic experience that blends horror, comedy, and the surreal. It stars Amy Adams as an unnamed stay-at-home mom who begins to feel more and more like a dog.
Her transformation is the perfect metaphor for the wild, untamed emotions that often accompany motherhood’s struggles, and the story is as gripping as it is bizarre. It explores themes like isolation and maintaining personal identity while dealing with the overwhelming demands of being a mother.
Amy Adams delivers a standout performance
Amy Adams is perfect as the unnamed mom in this film and does an amazing job of capturing the raw vulnerability and ferocity of a woman on the edge. From laughs to tears, her performance feels authentic.
Her character’s journey is one of self-discovery and embracing both the joys and challenges of motherhood framed in the context of a horror comedy.
A premiere to remember
Nightbitch premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and made waves thanks to its original story and star. In fact, Amy Adams walked away with the Tribute Performer Award, cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
Outside the premiere, Nightbitch has been polarizing among critics. While some appreciate its unique storyline and view of motherhood, others feel it falls short in character development. The New Yorker, for instance, criticized the film for reducing its characters to mere functions, arguing that it misses opportunities to delve deeper into the protagonist’s personal and emotional complexities.
Interesting facts
Amy Adams’ dedication to her role was so convincing that it elicited strong reactions from her canine co-stars. During filming, her portrayal of canine behaviors was so authentic that some dogs felt threatened, leading them to lunge at her, causing trainers to make adjustments on set to ensure safety and maintain the film’s integrity.
Adapting Rachel Yoder’s novel involved deliberate changes in tone and narrative structure, with director Heller and Adams collaborating closely to translate the book’s themes to the screen.
The film’s arrival on Hulu marks an opportunity for a wider audience to engage with its bold narrative. For viewers seeking a genre-bending experience that challenges traditional portrayals of motherhood, Nightbitch is the perfect choice. While it may not appeal to everyone, its unique approach ensures it will leave a lasting impression on those who embrace its wild and surreal premise, as will Amy’s outstanding performance.
Follow HuluWatcher to stay up to date on all of the latest titles available for streaming on Hulu