Nightbitch: 7 TV & Film Picks to Watch After You Finish the Book
Rachel Yoder's Nightbitch is a darkly comedic and unsettling novel that explores motherhood, identity, and the anxieties of modern life. If you've just finished the book and are craving more stories that tap into similar themes โ the unsettling strangeness of domesticity, the pressures of motherhood, or the exploration of female identity in unconventional ways โ then you've come to the right place. Here are seven TV shows and films that capture the unsettling yet darkly humorous spirit of Nightbitch:
1. Mother! (2017)
Darren Aronofsky's Mother! is a visceral and unsettling experience that shares Nightbitch's exploration of the breakdown of domesticity and the erosion of a woman's identity within a relationship. While significantly more intense and symbolic than Nightbitch, both works explore the intense pressures placed on women, particularly mothers, and the ways those pressures can manifest in unexpected and disturbing ways. Expect disturbing imagery and a deeply unsettling narrative.
2. The Lobster (2015)
This surreal and darkly comedic film from Yorgos Lanthimos offers a unique take on societal pressures and expectations, albeit in a more overtly dystopian setting. Similar to Nightbitch's exploration of societal expectations surrounding motherhood, The Lobster examines the absurdity of societal norms and the desperate measures individuals take to conform. Be prepared for a unique and somewhat unsettling cinematic experience.
3. Mare of Easttown (HBO)
Kate Winslet delivers a powerful performance in this HBO miniseries, exploring the complexities of motherhood, grief, and the burdens of a small-town life. While not as overtly fantastical as Nightbitch, Mare of Easttown shares its nuanced portrayal of a complex female character grappling with immense pressures and personal struggles. Expect a gripping and emotionally resonant narrative.
4. Fleabag (BBC/Amazon Prime)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterful creation is a darkly comedic exploration of grief, sexuality, and the search for identity. While the specific themes differ, Fleabag shares Nightbitch's willingness to explore taboo subjects with raw honesty and dark humor. Prepare for witty dialogue and a deeply relatable portrayal of a woman navigating life's complexities.
5. Sharp Objects (HBO)
Another HBO miniseries, Sharp Objects, delves into the psychological complexities of a female journalist returning to her troubled hometown. The show shares Nightbitch's unsettling atmosphere and exploration of the dark side of family dynamics. Expect a psychologically intense and disturbing narrative.
6. Russian Doll (Netflix)
This quirky Netflix series follows a woman trapped in a time loop, forced to confront her own life choices and personal demons. Like Nightbitch, Russian Doll explores themes of self-discovery and the cyclical nature of life experiences, albeit with a more fantastical and comedic approach. Expect a witty and engaging series with a unique premise.
7. The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)
While a horror series at its core, The Haunting of Hill House also cleverly weaves in themes of family trauma, repressed memories, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences, all of which resonate with the underlying tensions in Nightbitch. The exploration of family dysfunction and the blurring lines between reality and perception create a similar unsettling atmosphere. Be prepared for jump scares and a slow-burn exploration of psychological horror.
This list offers a range of tones and styles, all sharing thematic elements with the captivating strangeness of Nightbitch. Enjoy exploring these cinematic and television experiences that offer similar explorations of the complexities of womanhood, motherhood, and the unsettling aspects of everyday life. Let us know in the comments which of these picks you enjoyed the most!