I don’t know if I’ve ever watched a movie that I relate to more.
I wish everyone could watch this film to gain empathy for the various motherhood journeys. It’s for friends without kids who see friendships fade, for partners who think working is harder than the day-to-day grind at home (I say this as a part-time working mom), for coworkers who think a sick child equals a “day off,” for family members who forget just how hard it is, and for men who think they “understand” motherhood but really can’t grasp what it means to be a mom.
I’ve questioned myself more than ever and often feel like I should be better than everything else in my life. Despite being a confident person, motherhood has shaken me to my core. The movie is heartbreaking but also hopeful. I never truly understood the pain of being a mom until my daughter was born.
If you’re reading this and questioning your decisions as a mother, feeling like the old you has “died,” and struggling in your marriage because you don’t even like who you’ve become, just know you’re not alone—many of us feel the same way.
Wow, I needed to read this. I’m currently in the shower, which is basically my 30-minute me time. I’m a stay-at-home mom (quit my career of 10 years a year ago), and it’s about 1000 times harder than I ever imagined. It’s what I wanted and still want, but wow, is it hard.
Yesterday was especially tough, and I questioned if I was doing everything wrong.
I’ve been wondering about the movie, but now I will definitely try to watch it.
@Willow
It is very emotional! I also didn’t know it was based on a book! I made my husband watch it with me, and at first, we were laughing together because I was like, “Oh yup, that’s so me!” It was nearly hitting everything on the head. Sometimes I feel like he just doesn’t understand, so watching it play out helped him see how I feel without me sounding like a jerk.
I loved this movie so much but hated that she had to have a huge professional and personal comeback to be seen as productive or successful by societal standards in order for the movie to wrap up nicely. Some of us aren’t standouts in our careers and might not go back to a prestigious profession when/if we return to work. I needed to see that representation too; it’s where my fears and insecurities lurk after stepping back from my career.
@Peyton
So, so, so true! I completely agree. We should think of her passion project as a hobby rather than her career.
I work 30 hours in customer service, which is a blessing, but I still feel the need to step away from being needed 24/7 (especially with a baby who never sleeps). It greatly benefits my mental health. That said, I rarely get time to myself; I barely shower, haven’t worked out since pregnancy, and eat unhealthy because there’s no time to prepare meals.
When I do have a brief moment to do something I’m passionate about, it feels so refreshing—though that’s only once in a blue moon! I’m always worried about everything else, though.
Kellen said:
I watched this last night and thought it was amazing as a first-time mom. It felt odd at points, but the themes about motherhood were spot on.
I watched it too and agree; it was weird at times. I almost wanted to stop watching but pushed through. How she explains motherhood and staying home made me feel seen and not crazy, knowing I’m not alone. I’m 14 weeks postpartum and postponed my graduate studies/internship for a year to be with my little one.
@Bex
Some of the animalistic parts were a bit much, but sometimes I feel like I’m just a bear haha. I didn’t feel an instant bond with my baby, but my instinct to protect her is incredibly strong.
Kellen said:
I watched this last night and thought it was amazing as a first-time mom. It felt odd at points, but the themes about motherhood were spot on.
I also watched it last night and immediately texted all my mom friends. I’m a first-time mom with an 8-week-old, and it was like looking at myself in a funhouse mirror!
I’ve never resonated with a film like ‘Nightbitch.’ I felt SEEN. Everything the protagonist said hit home for me; it made me feel less alone in my thoughts on motherhood and being a stay-at-home mom. It’s a must-watch for parents. I’d love to read the book, but, ya know…kids .
That one scene where she’s lying in bed, mortified with her toddler who won’t sleep, thinking, “This is my fault. I should’ve put him down drowsy but awake like the books say, and then he’d have perfect sleep habits.”
The night before watching, I was doom-scrolling on Reddit, seeking confirmation that I wasn’t the only ‘failure’ who couldn’t manage drowsy but awake, fearing it would bite me later on.
I bought the book for Christmas and watched the movie while halfway through it. I truly felt seen. On Facebook, all the reviews for the movie are awful, with people saying they didn’t make it past the first 30 minutes; I’m like, that’s where the whole point begins to come together!
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