Amy Adams is fully committed to her craft, and her latest role in Nightbitch proves just how far she’s willing to go for authenticity. The six-time Oscar nominee, known for her captivating performances in films like Arrival and Enchanted, revealed in a recent interview that she volunteered to grow out her own chin hairs for the role—an unconventional but bold decision that speaks to her dedication.
In the film, Adams, 50, plays a stay-at-home mom who transforms into a dog, a surreal and darkly comedic exploration of motherhood and identity. Referred to only as “Mother,” her character’s transformation includes growing facial hair, which Adams chose to embrace in a literal sense. “The hair on the face — that was mine,” Adams said, emphasizing the importance of portraying her character without artifice. “I saw it as a wonderful expression of the human experience without any artifice or filters. Or tweezers!”
With her signature humor, Adams added, “I have that kind of hair that just grows overnight. One day it’s not there, and the next day it’s like I’m a catfish. That might turn some people away.” Far from being deterred, she embraced this natural aspect of her appearance as a deeper reflection of her character’s journey in the film.
Nightbitch, also starring Scoot McNairy, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7, 2023. The film has garnered attention not just for its unique plot but for Adams’ fearless performance, blending her emotional depth with a raw, transformative portrayal.
On the red carpet at TIFF, Adams looked radiant, wearing a stunning dark blue off-the-shoulder Prada gown adorned with bejeweled details. She kept her accessories simple with elegant diamond hoop earrings, allowing her natural beauty and poise to shine through. Joining her for the premiere were her husband, Darren Le Gallo, and their 14-year-old daughter, Aviana Olea Le Gallo.
Reflecting on turning 50 in August, Adams expressed gratitude for where she is in life, both personally and professionally. “I feel wonderful at 50,” she shared. “I know everyone’s like, ‘Oh, it’s 50.’ And I’m like, I feel great. I feel very grateful, just very centered and happy to be here.”
While Adams is excited about sharing her work with her daughter, she also remains protective of certain elements of the film. “Parts of it I’m excited to share with her, being that it’s her mom I’m gonna be a little bit more protective of certain aspects of the filmmaking,” she explained. More than anything, Adams wants her daughter to understand how motherhood has shaped her as a person. “What I want her to know about my experience of motherhood is how much she’s enriched my life and made me the woman that I am today,” she added.
Nightbitch promises to be a provocative and unique take on the pressures and transformations of motherhood, with Adams’ commitment to the role standing as a testament to her willingness to embrace vulnerability, humor, and authenticity in her performances.
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