Amy Adams stars in 'Nightbitch,' a dark comedy exploring the bizarre transformation of a woman into a dog. The film, based on Rachel Yoder's novel, highlights themes of identity and self-discovery. Adams reveals her personal connection to the character and the cathartic nature of the role.
- Amy Adams tackles a different role
- She opens up on how it went down for her
- Amy shared some cathartic moments in 'Nightbitch'
Amy's Unique Role
In her latest project, 'Nightbitch,' Amy Adams dives into the peculiar world of a woman named Mother who undergoes a bizarre transformation into a dog.
Speaking to 'Entertainment Weekly', the six-time Oscar nominee shared how her "high threshold for embarrassment" aided her in portraying such an unconventional character.
Despite never experiencing a canine metamorphosis herself, Adams finds the peculiarities of human life relatable. The film, directed by Marielle Heller and adapted from Rachel Yoder's novel, presents a surreal narrative where Mother's life takes an unexpected turn after she pauses her career to raise a family.
The film explores the strange reality Mother faces, including sprouting hair in odd places and craving raw meat. Adams identifies with her character's eccentricities, recalling her own youthful antics, such as spontaneous public cartwheels and impromptu singing.
Through these experiences, Adams connects with the film's themes of identity and transformation, hoping audiences will find resonance in Mother's journey, even if they don't share her circumstances.
Adams describes the process of making 'Nightbitch' as cathartic, particularly highlighting a scene where Mother releases her pent-up frustrations during a dinner with old friends.
She believes many people can relate to the feeling of being in-between stages in life, whether through parenthood or other experiences. 'Nightbitch' offers a narrative of struggle and eventual release, capturing the essence of finding oneself amidst life's uncertainties.
"It was absolutely cathartic," Adams says of the scene. "Mari [Heller] talks about it a lot, about saying things out loud that we're not supposed to say out loud. And I think with Mother, this deep sense of loss of self and feeling invisible; I think that's something that a lot of people can identify with at different times in their life, whether it's through parenthood or not. It's an interesting journey."
Adams also hopes audiences will connect with the film even if they don't have children. "I think in a way [the film] can also be seen as an allegory because there are these times I know in my life, and I know in the people that are close to me their life, where you're sort of in-between places. You're not who you were, but you're not who you're going to be," she explains.
"It's this very strange place of struggle and a place of great release, ultimately. But it takes a while to find release in the floating in between two places."
A career of gold
What sets Adams apart is her refusal to be typecast, instead embracing the unexpected. She doesn't shy away from roles that challenge societal norms or venture into dark, uncomfortable terrain.
Adams’ ability to convey the subtle yet powerful transformation of her character without relying on grand gestures or external conflicts was a testament to her fearlessness in embracing the complexities of the human experience.
She's dove headfirst into portraying this subtle yet sinister persona, showing her willingness to embrace uncomfortable and morally ambiguous figures. Similarly, in 'Sharp Objects', a miniseries based on the book by Gillian Flynn, Adams portrayed Camille Preaker, a journalist grappling with a traumatic past.
The character’s vulnerability, anger, and trauma were laid bare in a raw and emotionally taxing performance, showcasing her willingness to fully commit to roles that demand emotional risk-taking.
Adams' career has been defined by her commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty, even in the face of complex, often challenging material.
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Her fearlessness on screen is rooted in her belief in the importance of telling stories that push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and explore the full spectrum of human emotion. In doing so, she has earned a reputation as one of the most fearless and versatile actresses of her generation.