Did ‘Nightbitch’ Steal Everything from a 2017 Sundance Comedy?

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As a woman and mother who has struggled to balance my own artistic ambitions with the demands of family life, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of kinship with both Rachel Yoder and Jenny Offill. The themes they explore in their works resonate deeply with me, as I too have grappled with the complexities of love, marriage, and parenthood. While it’s easy to see the similarities between “Nightbitch” and “Bitch,” I believe that art often draws inspiration from multiple sources, and it’s not uncommon for artists to be influenced by various works that touch on shared themes.

It seems to me that Yoder was inspired by Offill’s portrayal of the art monster in “Dept. of Speculation” and then further explored those ideas through the lens of a literal transformation into a beast, which I find both fascinating and deeply relatable. Art is meant to challenge us and make us think, and these stories do just that.

In a lighter note, it’s interesting to consider how dogs have been used as metaphors for women throughout history, from the werewolf in 1913 to Mitski’s “I’m Your Man” in 2023. I can’t help but laugh at the thought that if I were to transform into an animal, it would probably be a cat – after all, they say curiosity killed the cat! But hey, maybe one day we’ll see a movie about a woman who turns into a cat and uses her nine lives to balance her artistic ambitions with motherhood. Who knows? Stranger things have happened in the world of art!

The question at the heart of Marielle Heller’s 2024 feminist satire body horror film, “Nightbitch,” explores how motherhood and womanhood can be raw, animalistic, and wild. This theme is deeply embodied in the novel of the same name by Rachel Yoder, which serves as the basis for this movie. Although the horror elements are mild, the film vividly portrays the bizarre terror of everyday life through its protagonist, referred to simply as “Mother.” Oscar-nominated actress Amy Adams plays this role. As Mother grapples with the constraints of patriarchal systems, her husband’s frequent absences on business trips, and her contemplation of abandoning a successful art career, she starts noticing strange canine physical transformations. Essentially, “Nightbitch” revolves around a mother who believes she is turning into a dog.

Initially, trailers for the movie “Nightbitch” didn’t get positive feedback due to some viewers finding it unsettling to see Adams barking and digging holes in the yard. However, the critically acclaimed actress from “Arrival” has been lauded for her powerful performance, earning a 2025 Golden Globe Award nomination. Despite whether people like or dislike the controversial 2024 film, discussions about its authenticity might be affecting the reputation of “Nightbitch.” Rumors are swirling that “Nightbitch” has been accused of copying from a lesser-known independent film. Is there any truth to these allegations? The entertainment industry can indeed be ruthless, like a dog eating another dog’s food.

‘Nightbitch’ Has Been Accused of Stealing Ideas From 2017 Indie Flick ‘Bitch’

As a long-time enthusiast of independent cinema and literature, I have come across countless examples of Reddit users who possess an uncanny knack for uncovering hidden gems within the indie sphere. My personal experience confirms that these sleuths are often on the cutting edge of discovering unique, thought-provoking works that might otherwise go overlooked.

Recently, I stumbled upon a somewhat obscure indie comedy from Sundance in 2017 called “Bitch.” This film shares striking similarities in both premise and title with the more recent release, “Nightbitch.” Directed and co-written by Marianna Palka and starring Jason Ritter, “Bitch” follows Jill, a mother of four who is struggling to cope with the pressures of domestic life. Her husband, Bill, a corporate suit with little investment in his role as a father and spouse, only adds to her stress. As Jill’s mental health deteriorates, she starts exhibiting behaviors reminiscent of a feral dog.

From the synopsis alone, I am intrigued by this film and eager to explore its themes of mental health, gender roles, and societal expectations. I believe that “Bitch” could offer a fresh perspective on these issues, given its indie roots and unique storytelling approach. As someone who values thought-provoking narratives that challenge conventional wisdom, I am excited to add this film to my watchlist and delve deeper into the rich tapestry of independent cinema.

Reddit user Mossjacket asked in 2024, “Is there a possibility that the author of ‘Nightbitch’ plagiarized the 2017 movie ‘Bitch’? User Time_Consequence_564 added to the discussion on the r/horrorlit subreddit, suggesting, “Weren’t they already made a movie with this title in 2017? It’s called ‘Bitch,’ and it appears to share the same plot.

As a writer and avid reader myself, I find it quite intriguing to observe the similarities between two stories like “Nightbitch” and “Bitch,” both of which delve into the complexities of motherhood, gender roles, and societal expectations. However, being in the publishing industry, I can understand Palka’s exhaustion as she navigates through this landscape where her work may not receive adequate coverage. While there seems to be no evidence of plagiarism or stealing, it is unfortunate that both stories share striking similarities in their themes and metaphors.

In my experience, I have encountered numerous instances where multiple writers tackle similar ideas without intending any malice. The canine metaphor used in both stories, symbolizing the marginalization of feminist and progressive women, resonates deeply with me as a woman in this field. Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge that the experiences of the protagonists differ significantly: “Nightbitch’s” Mother undergoes a literal transformation into a furry beast, while “Bitch’s” Jill merely adopts the mindset and behavioral traits of a dog.

In conclusion, while it may appear as though these stories are identical at first glance, they each offer unique perspectives on femininity, motherhood, and societal expectations. It is essential to appreciate the distinct narratives that both authors have crafted and celebrate their individual voices within the literary world.

‘Nightbitch’ Author Rachel Yoder Pulled Inspiration From a 2014 Novel

2021 discussions on Goodreads hinted at the possibility that the award-winning feminist horror novel, “Nightbitch” by Yoder, might have drawn some influence from Palka’s 2017 independent book, “Bitch.” In an interview with Esquire in 2021, Yoder revealed that her novel was indeed inspired by a 2014 book penned by author Jenny Offill.

The initial spark for my novel may have occurred a couple of years prior to writing it, during my reading of Jenny Offill’s ‘Dept. of Speculation’. This book shares many similar themes with ‘Nightbitch’ that I am exploring in my work.

The Department of Speculation narrates the intricate and labyrinthine journey of a couple, encompassing their tumultuous marriage, the unforeseen twists of everyday life, parenthood, and infidelity. Interestingly, Offill’s novel bears no connection to the raw, primal feminine emotions often linked with canines, yet it resonated deeply with Yoder, an artist and mother, as it portrays a passionate, dedicated mother figure. In her interview, Yoder expresses this sentiment: “The novel spoke to me as an artist and mother myself.

As someone who has always been drawn to the arts and harbored ambitions of my own, I found the line where the narrator declared her desire to become an ‘art monster’ particularly resonant. The idea of an ambitious woman whose ambition transcends societal norms and expectations, yet still maintains a connection to motherhood, struck a chord with me. This portrayal felt refreshingly authentic and provoked thoughts about the complexities of balancing personal ambition with familial responsibilities in one’s life.

I have experienced this tension firsthand, as I too have struggled to reconcile my passion for art with the demands of family life. The ‘art monster’ character serves as a symbol of the fierce determination and unapologetic pursuit of one’s dreams that is often required to succeed in creative fields. At the same time, her motherhood underscores the reality that women are not just artists or mothers but can be both, navigating multiple roles with grace and tenacity. This portrayal offers a powerful message for anyone striving to make their mark while maintaining connections to loved ones.

Beyond exploring thought-provoking motifs like marital struggles, the deterioration of a harmonious relationship, and simmering discontent in suburbia, the novel “Dept. of Speculation” also includes characters who are referred to as “the wife” and “the husband,” without explicit names.

In summary, while it seems plausible that the novel “Nightbitch” may have borrowed elements from “Bitch,” it might not be as straightforward as it appears. Some people argue that everything is a remix or reinterpretation of existing ideas, which can be traced back to Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of “eternal recurrence.” It’s important to note that even some classic horror stories, like the 1942 film “Cat People” and the 1913 silent short “The Werewolf,” have used transformations into animals as symbols for themes such as sexuality and abandonment.

Over the centuries, from Rudyard Kipling’s 19th-century poem “The Power of the Dog” to Mitski’s 2023 song “I’m Your Man,” there have been numerous artistic expressions and symbolic representations of dogs. In this vast field, works like Nightbitch and Bitch are just a couple of examples that can be found in the playground of creative expression about dogs.

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2025-01-02 03:05