‘Nightbitch’ Director Marielle Heller Says the Film Is ‘Rebellious’ in Trump Era of ‘Forced Motherhood’

As a film enthusiast, I find it truly captivating to delve into the profound insights that the director of “Night House” has shared about her creative process and personal experiences. Her unique perspective as a mother and artist shines through every frame of the movie, making it a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with many viewers, particularly mothers.

SPOILER ALERT: This Q&A contains spoilers for the ending of “Nightbitch,” out now in theaters.

A stream-of-consciousness novel about a stay-at-home mom who sometimes turns into a dog isn’t exactly the easiest material to adapt. One might even call it “unfilmable.” For “Nightbitch” director and writer Marielle Heller, that was exactly the appeal.

When something resonates with your personal experiences, it’s such an empowering and significant moment,” she explains to EbMaster. “It allowed me more space to essentially reimagine it as a film, without feeling confined by limitations. At times, when a novel seems designed for the screen, the creative possibilities can feel rather limited.

In the boldly crafted movie produced by Searchlight Pictures, inspired by Rachel Yoder’s book with the same title, six-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams takes center stage in a whimsical narrative that explores the release of an innate, powerful force.

Below, Heller unpacks the film’s feminist themes and most crucial moments with EbMaster.

One of my favorite narrative techniques you used is the way you depict Mother’s inner thoughts, and then her snap back to reality. How did you come up with that?

One challenge I faced was portraying the mother’s complex inner world, filled with thoughts that were often unspoken and hidden from view. Yet, as a reader, we were granted access to these private musings. My aim was to convey her internal struggles, yet also address her feeling of being unseen in her own life.

Initially, as I embarked on crafting this narrative, a concept emerged: she talks but no one can hear her. This sparked another thought – what if she could speak and then subtly alter her words, saying something different than what was originally said aloud? Her life, marked by endless parenting and fatigue, has pushed her to the brink of exhaustion and delirium. Sleep deprivation is more than just a myth; it can warp your mind in ways you wouldn’t expect.

Speaking of the world right now – the political climate in the U.S. has certainly shifted since you started working on this film. How do you think its message is going to land with audiences post-election?

This movie’s daring aspect, whether intentional or not, lies in its focus on women’s bodies – our changing bodies, topics often considered taboo. For many of us living in these bodies, these subjects are not taboo; they’re conversations we have openly with friends or partners. However, society at large seems to maintain a certain discomfort about the realities of women’s lives, such as menstruation, aging, or bodily changes – things that are very much part of life. Pregnancy and childbirth, in particular, remain complex and under-discussed, with birth being far more graphic than typically portrayed.

At present, there’s someone who has been chosen in a position of power, who I believe holds a disrespectful attitude towards women. He doesn’t seem to view women as equal counterparts or integral parts of our society, but rather as inferior entities. In my opinion, the novel “Nightbitch” empowers women and their physicality, which seems crucial given the ongoing assault on women’s rights. The situation in our nation is coercing motherhood. We are witnessing a scarcity of healthcare for women, resulting in a form of confinement. No one should be compelled to become a mother. Even if one decides to give up a child for adoption, no one should be forced to bear a child against their will. The strain of pregnancy is immense on an individual’s body, mental health, and overall well-being.

This idea that this choice is being taken away from women, that people are actually making t-shirts that say, “Your body, my choice,” based on the election of this man … We’re in a moment where we have to stand up and fight for our own bodies and our rights to choose when and how we family plan. What we do with our own bodies is our own choice, and it shouldn’t be a rebellious movie. It shouldn’t be a movie that in any way challenges the status quo, but it sort of does.

I think that touches on one of the film’s most powerful scenes, when Mother tells Father that she doesn’t regret having a child, but wishes their parenting was more equitable.

That was the central question that the character is grappling with: “Do I regret this? Was this a mistake?” And so in that scene where I had him ask her straight out, “Do you regret having a child?” I wanted her to really have to think about it in that moment. That was my direction to her as an actor. Because we’re not even allowed to ask ourselves that question often as parents. That’s taboo in itself. But ultimately, her answer was, “I didn’t know what I was getting into entirely. It is not as equitable because we didn’t safeguard against it becoming inequitable.”

Balance in a relationship can shift significantly when it comes to shared responsibilities, especially after having children, due to biological and societal influences. This often pushes partners towards different roles unless conscious efforts are made to prevent it. In my own marriage, I observed this phenomenon. Before children, we were equal partners. However, with kids, the tide of biology and society pulled us apart. To counteract this, open communication, awareness, and honesty are necessary. Many couples may not address this until it’s too late.

It’s clear that a lot of mothers will connect to this story on a deep level. How have men reacted to it so far?

In my childhood, I often found myself identifying more with the male main characters in books and movies since they were usually the ones taking action, harboring ambition, and driving the narrative. It’s not as engaging to connect with a secondary character who merely stands by without contributing much to the plot. Instead, we tend to immerse ourselves in the experiences of the protagonist, living vicariously through their struggles and triumphs. Therefore, it seems perfectly fine for men to empathize with female characters and gain insight into how their stories might feel if they were to walk a mile in their shoes, as this could provide them with a new perspective and understanding.

Some men may find the story’s female-centric approach uncomfortable because it focuses primarily on the female perspective without giving equal attention to the male perspective. However, I did take the male perspective into account, as evidenced by the extended monologue given to [Scoot McNairy] and a scene where I delve into his character’s point of view intentionally. At a Q&A session, someone asked, “When will we get the story from the father’s perspective, highlighting the challenges he faces as a breadwinner going to work every day?

You choose to conclude the movie with Mother giving birth again. Why was that the right note to end on?

Reflecting deeply on the profound questions posed by the film, I found myself pondering over my decisions: “Was I wrong in choosing motherhood? Has being a mother hindered my artistic growth?” To actively address these thoughts, I envisioned portraying a second birth scenario. The reason behind this is that the first time you become a parent, it’s almost impossible to fathom the challenges ahead. You can’t truly grasp the life-altering transformation your existence undergoes. However, with a second child, you consciously choose to embark on this journey again, fully aware of the difficulties. This act represents a deliberate choice, a testament to one’s resilience and commitment.

Despite the challenging circumstances, and acknowledging that the decision might be one of the toughest you’ve ever faced, a significant number of us find ourselves drawn to repeat the experience. It’s a testament to our hope, our resilience, and our willingness to accept the complexities and hardships, all while choosing to embark on this journey once more. Choosing love.

The act of giving birth is incredibly raw and instinctual. You discover an inner strength that you never knew existed, a power that can be harnessed during childbirth. It’s not just about the mind; it’s about embracing your physicality, your animalistic side. Often, we go through life disconnected from our bodies, detached from our primal selves. But when you experience pregnancy and childbirth, you are forced to acknowledge that you are more than just a thinking being. You are a living, feeling creature with instincts that guide you beyond rational thought. It’s a challenging journey that requires sacrifice, putting aside your own needs and desires for the sake of another. Yet, it’s a sacrifice I wouldn’t dream of giving up, because the reward is immeasurable. At least, that’s my experience.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

2024-12-07 21:17