Nightbitch on Hulu is a quirky horror-comedy starring Amy Adams as a new mom struggling with motherhood—and turning into a dog. A blend of satire and magical realism, this unique take on identity and primal instincts will leave you intrigued, if slightly underwhelmed.
A Quirky Blend of Motherhood, Magic, and Metaphor
Streaming now on Hulu, Nightbitch delivers a peculiar horror-comedy that blurs the lines between reality and metaphor. Starring the ever-talented Amy Adams, the film follows a stay-at-home mom’s slow, surreal transformation into something… well, canine. Adapted by Marielle Heller from Rachel Yoder’s 2021 novel, this movie mixes magical realism with biting satire but struggles to decide how far it wants to go.
The Premise
Amy Adams plays “Mother,” a nameless character who epitomizes the frustrations of suburban motherhood. She’s traded her bustling career as an artist in New York for a life centered on reheating hash browns, chasing her toddler around, and navigating lonely library playdates. But her mundane existence takes a bizarre turn as she starts noticing unusual changes in herself—thicker patches of hair, an inexplicable tailbone lump, and a heightened sense of smell.
As her husband (played by Scoot McNairy) spends most of his time away on work trips, Adams is left to fend for herself and her son. Struggling with isolation and an inner rage bubbling beneath the surface, she starts exhibiting increasingly feral behavior. Digging in the yard, playing “doggie” games with her son, and even luring stray dogs—her descent into canine territory is both funny and unsettling.
But here’s the lingering question the movie asks without definitively answering: Is Adams truly transforming into a dog, or is it all in her mind—a metaphor for her primal urges, frustrations, and identity crisis?
What Works
Amy Adams is undoubtedly the film’s saving grace. Her unglamorous and raw portrayal of a mother at her wit’s end resonates deeply. Whether she’s voicing her internal struggles or fully embracing the absurdity of her transformation, Adams brings sincerity to even the most bizarre scenes.
The movie also touches on themes of modern motherhood—the isolation, the societal expectations, and the inner conflict between nurturing a child and staying true to oneself. The dark humor layered throughout keeps the tone sharp, and some scenes, like Adams and her son face-planting into a meatloaf buffet, are laugh-out-loud ridiculous.
What Falls Short
While the premise is intriguing, the execution falters. Heller’s direction holds back where it should lean in. For a film titled Nightbitch, one might expect more daring satire or shocking horror, but the movie remains frustratingly restrained.
The central metaphor—Adams turning into a dog—feels underdeveloped. Why a dog? Why not another wild creature? The transformation is symbolic, sure, but the film doesn’t explore the “why” deeply enough to make it feel significant.
Similarly, subplots involving a mysterious librarian, a clique of moms who may or may not share her supernatural tendencies, and flashbacks of her own mother feel like missed opportunities. These elements flirt with depth but end up as loose threads in a story that struggles to find a clear direction.
Standout Moments
One of the film’s most memorable scenes is a monologue where Adams expresses her rage, exhaustion, and disillusionment with motherhood. Though the movie frames it as a fantasy sequence, the words resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by societal expectations.
Additionally, Adams’ physical comedy—whether she’s on all fours digging in the dirt or trying to suppress her canine instincts—brings much-needed levity to the darker themes.
Verdict
Nightbitch is a movie full of potential but falls short of delivering a truly impactful story. While Amy Adams gives a performance worth watching, the film’s hesitation to fully embrace its weirdness or push its thematic boundaries leaves it feeling half-baked. It’s an intriguing but ultimately uneven exploration of motherhood, identity, and primal instincts.
Watch it if: You enjoy offbeat stories about motherhood with a touch of magical realism.
Skip it if: You’re looking for a horror-comedy with bite or a narrative that ties up all its loose ends.