Marielle Heller | WITH WHIT

The Chicago International Film Festival is wrapping up this Sunday, and it was such a highlight earlier this week to chat with incredibly talented screenwriter and director, Marielle Heller. Known for her thoughtful, nuanced approach to storytelling, Heller has made a name for herself with films like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, capturing the essence of Mr. Rogers’ gentleness and depth. Which of course as apart of the PBS family, I had to ask her about! 

However, it was her latest project, Nightb*tch, that premiered at the festival, marking another bold move in her already impressive discography.

Nightb*tch, starring Amy Adams and based on Rachel Yoder’s novel, delves into the raw, unfiltered experience of motherhood, particularly the hormonal shifts and emotional whirlwinds that come with it. 

Heller, a mother of two, channeled her own experiences into writing this screenplay, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to the story. As she shared with me, the film captures the intense, often chaotic emotions of motherhood, from the hormonal rage to the quiet moments of self-reflection, finding both humor and relatability in the madness. Being a mother of twins, we bonded over these feelings no doubt. 

For many women, Nightb*tch is a movie that Marielle hopes make women feel seen. Through the lens of the surreal, it tackles the pressures and frustrations of being a mother in a way that feels empowering. Heller’s ability to translate these complex emotions into cinematic form is nothing short of masterful!

Defiant By Nature, Heller’s production company, embodies these themes that Heller strives to tell in all of her work. Even the name, Defiant By Nature, perfectly hones in on the idea of human nature and imperfections, and how in every film, Heller makes it vital that the stories and characters she takes on, bring this to the forefront.

Whether it’s the quiet grace of Mr. Rogers or the untamed energy of Nightb*tch, Heller’s work reminds us of our shared humanity, flaws and all, and celebrates the beauty in it.

Take a look!