Nightbitch: A Psychological Movie Review of Motherhood and Mental Health
When Motherhood Feels Like Losing Yourself
A black-and-white, blurred photograph of a woman with short hair. The image has an eerie, dreamlike quality, which could represent losing one's sense of self. Learn how online counselling for women can offer support by contacting an online counsellor in Nova Scotia.
Motherhood is often described as a joyful, life-fulfilling experience, and for many women, it truly is. The deep connection, the small moments of wonder, and the profound love that comes with raising a child are some of the most meaningful experiences in life. But for many high-achieving mothers, there is also an undeniable shift in identity—one that can feel both enriching and overwhelming.
The transition into motherhood brings intense love but also exhaustion, isolation, and an identity crisis that no one talks about enough. For women who have spent years excelling in their careers or personal pursuits, the sudden shift in priorities and the relentless demands of caregiving can feel overwhelming. At the same time, modern mothers face unprecedented external pressures, largely driven by social media and corporate marketing.
Influencers portray picture-perfect motherhood, often selling the illusion that happiness comes from the right routines, the right baby gear, or the right mindset.
Meanwhile, corporations target mothers' vulnerabilities, fostering feelings of inadequacy and pushing products as solutions to their exhaustion, self-doubt, and loss of self. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General has acknowledged that "parenting in America is increasingly a health hazard" due to these overwhelming societal pressures (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023).
Nightbitch, a hauntingly raw and darkly humorous movie, dares to explore the emotional struggles of modern mothers in a way that is both unsettling and deeply relatable. As a psychologist who works with high-achieving mothers navigating trauma, perfectionism, and anxiety, I couldn’t ignore the powerful psychological themes woven throughout this movie.
If you're interested in watching Nightbitch, you can currently find it on Disney+. The availability of such a psychologically rich and thought-provoking movie on a mainstream platform makes it more accessible for mothers who may see reflections of their own experiences in the protagonist’s journey.
A Brief (Spoiler-Free) Look At Nightbitch
The movie follows an unnamed woman—a former artist who gave up her career to become a stay-at-home mother. As the demands of motherhood consume her, she begins experiencing an unsettling transformation, convinced she is turning into a dog. What follows is an eerie, surreal, yet oddly cathartic journey through the rawest emotions of a mother who feels unseen, unfulfilled, and trapped by societal expectations.
For high-achieving mothers, the story may hit particularly close to home. The protagonist’s gradual unraveling mirrors the internal struggles of women who have spent their lives perfecting every aspect of their existence—only to find that motherhood reshapes their identity in ways they never anticipated. Nightbitch is not a typical horror movie—it is a psychological exploration of motherhood, loss of self, and the primal feminine power buried beneath layers of societal conditioning.
Psychological Themes In Nightbitch
1. The beauty and the complexity of motherhood
Motherhood is filled with profound beauty—the laughter of a child, the deep sense of purpose, and the small yet powerful moments of connection that can bring unparalleled joy. But for many mothers, particularly those who have built strong identities outside of parenthood, there is also a struggle with feeling that their pre-motherhood self has vanished. The protagonist, once a passionate artist, now finds herself swallowed by the endless demands of caregiving. This is a reality for so many high-achieving women who are used to excelling in structured environments but suddenly find themselves in a role where the expectations are infinite and ever-changing.
Adding to this struggle is the constant pressure from social media influencers, who often present an idealized version of motherhood. These influencers capitalize on mothers' vulnerabilities, selling solutions to problems they may not even have recognized before. The curated images of effortless parenting create a toxic cycle of comparison, further fueling self-doubt and perfectionism.
2. Repressed emotions and the cost of suppression
The protagonist’s transformation is a striking metaphor for how ignored emotions—especially frustration, resentment, and loneliness—can manifest in unexpected and even destructive ways. High-achieving mothers often push through exhaustion, striving to meet impossible standards while neglecting their own well-being. Society demands that women be endlessly patient and nurturing, leaving no space for feelings of anger, grief, or dissatisfaction.
Corporations exploit these emotions, marketing products designed to "fix" what’s perceived as wrong with motherhood. From expensive self-care routines to sleep training programs to productivity hacks, brands create and amplify mothers' insecurities to drive consumerism. This cycle leaves mothers constantly chasing solutions while feeling further disconnected from their instincts.
When these emotions are suppressed, they don’t disappear; they find other, sometimes chaotic, ways to surface. The transformation in Nightbitch is a symbolic reminder of what happens when we deny our own emotions for too long.
3. Maternal rage and the strength of vulnerability
The rage that builds in Nightbitch is not just about motherhood—it is about how women are conditioned to silence their own needs. High-achieving mothers, in particular, may struggle with this. Accustomed to high standards, they may feel immense pressure to appear in control, competent, and endlessly patient. Yet beneath the surface, they may harbor deep frustration at the unrealistic expectations placed upon them.
The movie unapologetically highlights how mothers are expected to suppress their anger, even when they are pushed to their emotional limits. However, acknowledging these feelings does not mean rejecting motherhood—it means embracing all its truths, including the moments of exhaustion and the moments of boundless love.
Online Therapy: A Space To Hold The Complexity Of Motherhood
Motherhood is both sacred and mundane. It is filled with moments of deep joy, connection, and awe—alongside moments of exhaustion, suffering, anxiety, rage, grief, and bodily fluids. Online therapy offers a space where women can hold all of these realities at once—without judgment, without shame.
Online therapy is not about fixing motherhood—it’s about helping women reclaim their own narrative and break free from unrealistic societal expectations. It allows women to acknowledge their rage, name their grief, and celebrate their power in a way that social media influencers and corporations never will.
Start Online Counselling for Women in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Nightbitch offers a haunting yet deeply relatable psychological exploration of the realities of motherhood. While most mothers don’t find themselves literally transforming, many can relate to the feeling of becoming someone unrecognizable. Yet, within this transformation lies something beautiful: the capacity for deep love, connection, and resilience.
Motherhood is raw, intense, and deeply human. You deserve to have all of it seen, heard, and honored. You are not alone. You can start your therapy journey with IMatter by following these simple steps:
Learn more about me and if we are the right therapeutic fit.
Start breaking free from societal expectations and become the best mom you can be!
Other Services Offered in Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Nunavut
As a Psychologist and mother, I support high-achieving mothers across Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Nunavut, who struggle with perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety by helping them reconnect with their identity, process their emotions, and embrace the complexity of motherhood. I also offer specialized therapy for women, HSPs, therapists, and more. Reach out today to begin your therapy journey today!