Nightbitch review – Amy Adams turns into a dog in rough dark comedy
Toronto film festival: the multiple Oscar nominee has some fun as a mother at the end of her tether but this unsubtle mix of comedy and horror doesn’t go far enough
While memories of the film itself might fade all too fast, it’ll probably take a while to tire of repeating the phrase “Amy Adams is Nightbitch”. The six-time Oscar nominee, stuck on a limp, losing streak of late with anonymous try-hard misfires like Hillbilly Elegy and Dear Evan Hansen, has taken on a goofy, lightly gory role in a film with one of the silliest, most attention-securing titles of the traditionally self-serious Oscar season. If only it was as daring or as mischievous as its name and logline: malcontent suburban mother turns into dog. But the film is all bark and no bite, a shame for its lead – but moreso for its as yet infallible writer-director.
Marielle Heller had yet to really miss with The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – a straight-out-of-the-gate trio of winners. But she can’t quite find a way to transform Rachel Yoder’s biting, absurdist novel into a worthwhile movie. It’s all smug pointing and nodding rather than anything smarter or more savage, its targets just and understandable – motherhood is hellish, husbands are thoughtless, wider society is misogynistic – but its overly didactic methods repetitive and ineffectual.
Continue reading...Date: |
-
The New York Times - Lifestyle
Sade Night Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Bushwick
Fans of all ages slow-danced and lip-synced deep into the night, united by their shared love for Sade, an R&B star who has expanded her audience through social media.4 hours ago -
The New York Times - Lifestyle
Hannah Berner Finds Her Latest Act in Standup Comedy
The former tennis player and fired “Summer House” cast member has found her footing in comedy, with a hit Netflix special and a podcast tour.2 days ago -
ABC News - Sports
Carolina Panthers bench QB Bryce Young amid the 2023 No. 1 overall pick's rough start to the season, AP source says
Carolina Panthers bench QB Bryce Young amid the 2023 No. 1 overall pick's rough start to the season, AP source says7 hours ago - NFL
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Trump praises Secret Service after apparent assassination attempt; Biden speaks of relief former president is safe – live
Donald Trump speaks on Twitter; Joe Biden and Trump share ‘cordial conversation’, White House says . Suspect charged as Trump accuses Biden and Harris of incitement Trump golf course ...26 minutes ago - Joe Biden -
The Guardian - World
Meta bans Russian state media outlets over ‘foreign interference activity’
RT, Rossiya Segodnya and others accused of using deceiving tactics on Meta’s apps to carry out influence operations. Facebook owner Meta said on Monday it was banning RT, Rossiya Segodnya and other ...44 minutes ago - Russia -
The Guardian - World
Who will Japan’s next PM be? A policy wonk, ultra-conservative or surfer making the climate fight ‘sexy’
Polls show Shigeru Ishiba, Shinji Koizumi and Sanae Takaichi are best placed to replace PM Fumio Kishida later this month . With just 10 days to go before Japan ’s governing party elects a new ...1 hour ago - Climate -
The Guardian - World
Titan sub crew said ‘all good here’ in last text messages before implosion
US Coast Guard reveals new details about final moments onboard vessel as hearings about cause of disaster begin. Among the last words heard from the crew of an experimental submersible headed for ...4 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
French rape trial to resume after Dominique Pélicot health issues
Trial of retired electrician, 71, and 50 other men had been adjourned while he was taken to hospitals for tests. The trial of Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men accused of rape will resume on ...7 hours ago - France