Amy Adams takes parenting to a whole new level in this dark comedy/horror, guiding viewers through a wild metaphor for a maternal crisis.
Though everyone remembers Adams for her iconic roles, she hasn’t been in the spotlight as much lately. From her early stint as Pam 2.0 in The Office to her portrayal of Lois Lane in Zack Snyder’s universe, it makes you wonder why she isn’t headlining every romantic comedy today.
Much like the character she portrays, Adams’ role in this film seems to reflect a much deeper issue. The film takes you through the physical and emotional transformations a mother undergoes, blending them with literal, primal changes. Her character is dealing with a problematic child who doesn’t listen, and this constant strain causes her to realize she’s been neglecting herself, always at the beck and call of others. As the pressures mount, a primal, animalistic urge begins to take over, and she transforms throughout the film.
She’s also stuck with a useless husband who offers no support. The movie stays grounded, effectively driving home its point. It balances dark comedy with moments of drama where you truly sympathize with Adams’ character, before hitting you with body horror in the style of John Carpenter.
One of the film’s strengths is how it hides its true nature until it’s ready to reveal it, much like a dog sneaking up on you. It’s bold and unafraid to “go there.” However, if you’re sensitive to animals dying on screen, be warned. From possums to cats, several critters don’t survive, a surprise given how few films take that step to drive their message home.
At the end of the day, the film is a lot to take in. Though some elements may feel underdeveloped, it offers an interesting watch with a unique premise you haven’t seen elsewhere.
Check out the trailer below — In Select Theaters This December!