The central criticism of Marielle Heller’s movie Nightbitch (in which mother turns into dog, in case you haven’t already heard the chatter) is that it has defanged its source material, Rachel Yoder’s glorious novel about motherhood and artmonsterhood.
Thanks for this! I’m working on my own analysis of the film and book and you put into words many of the feelings I was working through. I agree, you have to view them as separate works, and I wish that the ending of the film wasn’t so sanitized.
Beautifully written and analyzed, Caroline. Though I haven't read the book or seen the film, your analysis made me want to dive headlong into the nightbitch territory. And I'm with you in the fight against sanitized Hollywood endings.
We watched it last night! As a mother I was very entertained and felt seen. I haven’t read the book so I can’t speak to that, but I did appreciate these words of yours:
“Another simple reason I liked the movie: it made me laugh throughout. Although, is humor—especially dark, surreal, humor that also functions as cultural criticism—ever really simple? No, no it’s not. In books and movies, humor often functions as the spoon full of sugar that allows the societal critique to go down. And, though it sanitizes the ending, this movie does not shy away from this critique altogether by any means.”
Thank you so much! I appreciate your thoughtful response. I was also really entertained and felt seen. I really think you'd also love the book. Yeah, I always think humor delivered in that way can really pack a conceptual punch.
Thanks for this! I’m working on my own analysis of the film and book and you put into words many of the feelings I was working through. I agree, you have to view them as separate works, and I wish that the ending of the film wasn’t so sanitized.
Ooh, thanks so much for your thoughtful comments and I can’t wait to read what you write on the movie and book!
Such great insights and analysis on Nightbitch (motherhood, relationships/marriage, parenting, making art, etc), book vs movie!
Thanks so much, Jeffrey! As you know I also rely on your Substack!
Very kind of you to say, and right back at you — love your critiques/commentary, and excited for your forthcoming literary projects in 2025.
💖
Beautifully written and analyzed, Caroline. Though I haven't read the book or seen the film, your analysis made me want to dive headlong into the nightbitch territory. And I'm with you in the fight against sanitized Hollywood endings.
Thanks so much!!
We watched it last night! As a mother I was very entertained and felt seen. I haven’t read the book so I can’t speak to that, but I did appreciate these words of yours:
“Another simple reason I liked the movie: it made me laugh throughout. Although, is humor—especially dark, surreal, humor that also functions as cultural criticism—ever really simple? No, no it’s not. In books and movies, humor often functions as the spoon full of sugar that allows the societal critique to go down. And, though it sanitizes the ending, this movie does not shy away from this critique altogether by any means.”
Thank you so much! I appreciate your thoughtful response. I was also really entertained and felt seen. I really think you'd also love the book. Yeah, I always think humor delivered in that way can really pack a conceptual punch.
I will see if the library has it, thank you!!
Let me know what you think!
Will do!