“Nightbitch.” / “The Legend of Molly Johnson.”

“Nightbitch” (2024, Hulu) black comedy horror, based on the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder. The film is a magical realism-style satirical story about a former artist turned frustrated stay-at-home mom who sometimes transforms overnight into a dog.

       Premise: Mother has paused her career as an artist to become a stay-at-home mom for her two-year-old son. Because her husband is away on work trips most of the time, she is responsible for the majority of the caregiving for the boy. Feeling isolated from her artistic identity and resentful of what she sees as the expectation to be friends with other mothers, she frequently fantasizes about lashing out at those around her.

       This little movie is neatly-done or directed by Marielle Heller, though I don’t think this is horror or black comedy at all. Most of the credit goes to the three central characters, especially Amy Adams as mother. When was the time that Ms Adams didn’t deliver a fine performance anyways? Scoot McNairy fared well as the husband. When was the time when Mr McNairy didn’t portray a lame but honest husband? LOL! And the son, played by Arleigh and Emmett Snowden. My daughter Donna, a new mom, will approve of this movie, for sure. 🎥💻📽

“The Legend of Molly Johnson” (2021, Amazon Prime) Australian revisionist Western film directed, written, and co-produced by Leah Purcell in her feature directorial debut. The movie is an adaptation of Ms Purcell's 2016 play and a reimagining of Henry Lawson's 1892 short story.

 

       “The Legend…” tells the story of a woman and her stubborn determination to protect her family from the harshness of life in 1893 in the Snowy Mountains. The movie seems clothed in many mysteries and backstories that Leah tried to squeeze in less than two hours or 109 minutes. So I didn't really “read” a compelling narrative here. But I get the message. 🎥💻📽