Nightbitch review: Amy Adams goes hard, but Marielle Heller holds back
Beneath the guise of a relentless monster lurks the dormant desires and frustrations of motherhood. “Nightbitch” – a surreal dramedy starring Amy Adams – delves into the twilight world of postpartum anxiety with both bite and humor. While Adams’ raw performance electrifies, Marielle Heller’s direction falters, torn between plumbing the depths of maternal despair and embracing a more conventional narrative.
The film’s transformative premise – a suburban mother metamorphosing into a night-stalking beast – introduces a tantalizing allegory, yet its potential is not fully exploited. Instead, “Nightbitch” settles into familiar territory, prioritizing plot over deeper psychological exploration. Despite Adams’ captivating portrayal of a woman teetering on the edge, the film ultimately fails to fully embrace its own wild nature.