The narrative takes a bizarre and surreal turn as the protagonist stumbles upon tufts of white hair sprouting from her lower back. This unsettling discovery leads to the emergence of a small bump that, when prodded, releases pus and reveals a tiny grey tail. The transformation doesn’t stop there; soon after, she finds herself with six additional teats on her stomach. In a moment of resignation, Adams’ character merely shrugs at these grotesque changes. After all, having navigated through the relentless trials of motherhood and the challenges of womanhood, nothing about her body’s evolving form seems capable of shocking her at this point.
Just like in The Substance, Nightbitch boldly embraces the imperfections and often grotesque aspects of its protagonist’s physical state, unearthing a raw and vulnerable side of a Hollywood starlet who is otherwise often seen as an untouchably elegant figure gliding through red carpet events. This portrayal starkly contrasts with the polished image typically exhibited by women in the entertainment industry, shedding light on the reality that lies beneath the surface.
It’s essential to acknowledge that actresses such as Moore, Kidman, and Adams embody exceptional beauty and privilege. Yet, they boldly confront the uncomfortable and at times ugly truths associated with aging as a woman—dealing with ageism, battling self-doubt, managing the relentless pursuit of appearances, and the frantic desire to keep pace with contemporaries while maintaining a facade of ease in fulfilling societal expectations. Their willingness to explore these complex themes is incredibly significant. This representation resonates with women in their forties, fifties, sixties, and beyond—those who have historically been marginalized by the film industry and fed idealized portraits that often fail to reflect their lived experiences. It reassures them that their private struggles, which may feel isolating, are in fact universal. There is no imperfection to avoid, nor any idealized perfection to strive for.
In light of this, I genuinely hope that we witness more daring and unconventional films emerge, inspired by the boldness of these three actresses. Although it may take years, if not decades, to completely reshape our ingrained perceptions of beauty in cinema, the incremental progress we are witnessing is indeed encouraging. Let’s celebrate the movement towards more authentic representation, paving the way for a broader acceptance of the diverse experiences women endure as they age.
