In the dark comedyNightbitch, the main character is simply known as Mother, and though this distinction may seem innocuous, it actually hints at a much larger truth about the character. Based on a novel by Rachel Yoder,Nightbitchfollows Mother, a woman who is the mom of a toddler, and as a result, feels as though her old self is slipping away.When Mother discovers that some strange changes are occurring to her body, she decides to embrace her new dog-like featuresin order to regain her sense of identity.
Nightbitchmay have gone under the radar for many audiences in 2024, but it is a unique story that may speak to a number of viewers, especially women and mothers. In particular,Amy Adams' performance as Motheris raw, vulnerable, and refreshingly messy. Truthfully, this is the entire goal of the movie.Through subtle details and fantastical oddities, the movie explores what it means to be a womanwho feels as though the entire weight of the world is on her shoulders, leaving her without room to be what she truly wants to be.
Adams' Character Only Sees Herself Under The “Mother” Label In Nightbitch
Mother’s Lack Of A Name Is Surprisingly Subtle
The main reason whyNightbitch’smain character is known as Mother is because that is the label that seems to define her. From the very start of the film, Mother’s entire life is wrapped around the wellbeing of her child. Even when her husband returns home on weekends, she continues to be the mother to both her son and her husband at times. In this way,Nightbitchrefuses to give Mother a name because, at this point in her life, her name doesn’t feel like a reflection of her.
Nightbitch Ending Explained
Adapted from the Rachel Yoder novel of the same name, Nightbitch’s metaphorical transformation leads to one mother’s liberation.
Oddly, Mother’s lack of a name isn’t super noticeable inNightbitch.While it may seem off-putting to have a main character without a name, it doesn’t actually come up often. In fact, this works to emphasize the point the movie is trying to make. Because she is a mother more than a regular woman, Mother rarely has strangers asking her name or calling to her in an affectionate way that goes beyond mere caretaking. Overall,the naming device inNightbitchhas many layers that successfully expand the themes of the story.
What Nightbitch’s Director Has Said About The Family Not Having Names
How Nightbitch’s Mother Relates To Real Women & Societal Issues
When asked about the lack of names inNightbitch,director Marielle Heller echoed the above ideas about motherhood. In an interview withHuffPostUK,Heller explained how being a mother can feel like a loss of identity.Rather than being a self-involved person with your own name and personality, you are transformed into someone’s mother. This concept is not new, and it is not an isolated incident. Heller’s experience, and that of Mother’s, is a universal experience for women.
Overall,Nightbitchis a fantastically dark and strange look at motherhoodand its effects. Though it may seem too abstract or odd, viewers should most definitely give it a attempt to see if they can find any relatability in Mother’s tale.Nightbitchwas certainly not the most successful movie of 2024, but it may prove itself to be a hidden gem over time. Regardless, there are many who will find solace inNightbitch.
Nightbitch
Cast
A suburban mother struggles with the isolation of stay-at-home life while raising her young son. As she begins to embrace her primal instincts, she experiences strange transformations, leading her to question whether she’s losing her mind or becoming something altogether different—something feral and dangerous.
