Amy Adams Redefines Motherhood in ‘Nightbitch’

A Transformative Role

“I’ve had people say, ‘Oh my gosh, you looked awful,’” Amy Adams reflects with an amused roll of her eyes. Her latest film, Nightbitch, features Adams in a raw portrayal of a stay-at-home mom who, sometimes, turns into a dog. “I was like, ‘You do realize that’s what I look like in my life, right?’” jokes Adams.

In Marielle Heller’s surreal examination of motherhood, Adams’ character abandons a fulfilling career to become her baby’s primary caregiver, finding herself stifled by the change. Her clueless husband, played by Scoot McNairy, offers little help, leaving her overwhelmed by the relentless demands of parenting. The result? She transforms into a dog, digging holes and howling at the moon.

A Departure from Expectations

Adams passionately asserts that “Nightbitch” is not about lycanthropy but about the intense reality of motherhood. “I love the metaphor of her connecting with a more primal and feral side of herself to learn how to let go and be present,” Adams explains. This fantastical transformation allows her to cope with the burdens of motherhood, find her community of fellow moms, and release her pent-up frustrations.

The film taps into the sacrifices mothers often make, shedding light on the emotional toll and identity crisis many face when they leave their professional lives to care for their children.

The Raw and Real Performance

Motherhood in “Nightbitch” is far from the hopeful ingenue roles Adams was known for in the 2000s, such as in “Junebug” and “Enchanted”. Adams recalls her early days in the industry, saying, “I was naive and afraid to show any darkness about human experience. I would have felt exposed.” Now, she embraces vulnerability, showcasing her evolution through this bold performance.

One of the standout scenes includes Adams discovering and embracing her chin hair for the character. “The hair on the face — that was mine,” she proudly states, relishing the unfiltered expression of human experience.

Industry Reflection and Representation

The mixed responses “Nightbitch” received at the Toronto International Film Festival reflect its unapologetically polarizing nature. Some find the story heavy-handed, while others appreciate it as a fierce feminist allegory. Adams isn’t deterred, noting, “If it hits you, that’ll make me really happy. It deals with friendship, community, relationships, and parenthood, hitting on different ancestral wounds.”

Adams’ performance, already garnering awards chatter, is driven by her dedication to roles that draw attention to unique films. Her earnest appreciation for the spotlight it brings is evident and sincere.

Elevating Women in Hollywood

Bond Group Entertainment, Adams’ production company, founded with her manager Stacy O’Neil, aims to elevate women’s stories in Hollywood. “When we were at Toronto, I was excited to see so many female-led and directed films. These stories are important and start crucial conversations,” says Adams.

Her support extends beyond her projects, praising Rachel Brosnahan stepping into the role of Lois Lane in James Gunn’s new “Superman”. “She’s gonna be great. I love her natural humor and strength.”

Adams acknowledges the transitory nature of iconic roles. “Coming from theater, a role never belongs to you. You just do a take on it. That’s how I feel about the franchise.”

Wisdom from Experience

Adams cherishes working alongside young talents like Jenna Ortega in Taika Waititi’s “Klara and the Sun”. “I learn so much from the young women that I work with,” she says, laughing about occasionally forgetting her age. “It gets so much better,” she notes, reflecting on the benefits and realities of aging.

A Commitment to Community

Adams’ dedication extends beyond film into her work with youth transitioning out of foster care. As an ambassador for the RightWay Foundation, Adams champions this underserved community, offering resources like safe housing, mental health support, and employment readiness.

“It struck me as an underserviced community,” says Adams, sharing how RightWay has significantly impacted through compassionate and comprehensive support.

Styling and Personal Charm

On a sunny day in Beverly Hills, Adams looks timeless in a white button-down, jeans, and black mules. Despite her classic look, she embraces her dorky side, indulging in TikTok rabbit holes about Disneyland influencers and ballerinas.

Adams’ transformation into a dog in “Nightbitch” felt natural, except for her initial high-pitched bark. Heller encouraged her to channel “big dog energy,” leading to Adams likening herself to a golden retriever for her gentle nature.

Sharing genuine laughs and insights, Adams reminds us of her strength and flexibility, not only as an actress but also as a dedicated mother and community advocate.

Explore more about Amy Adams and her transformative roles in Nightbitch, and witness an unfiltered, primal exploration of motherhood as it hits theaters this December. For continuous updates on the latest films and industry trends, keep following our site.