Bitch (2017) Comedy Movie Review
The movie "Bitch" tackles the common issue of domestic struggles, portraying an overwhelmed wife and mother who transforms into a ferocious dog. While the film ambitiously addresses this theme through a bold allegory, the execution falls short. Marianna Palka, the director, writer, and star, faces challenges in balancing dark comedy and serious melodrama. Despite her committed performance on screen, the film lacks nuance and storytelling finesse, hindering its ability to offer insightful satire.
The characters in the movie make perplexing decisions, and the intrusive score alternates between edgy and jazzy or jaunty and wacky. "Bitch" oscillates between slapstick comedy and tearful drama before taking an unexpected turn in the third act. It becomes apparent that Palka's disturbed character, Jill, needs serious medical help, leading to a custody battle between Jill's husband and her sister and parents.
However, by this point, the central metaphor of the film has overstayed its welcome, diminishing the impact of the narrative. Overall, while "Bitch" introduces an intriguing premise, its execution falters due to a lack of subtlety and a struggle to maintain a cohesive tone throughout the movie.
The story kicks off in a regular Los Angeles neighborhood, where barking dogs break the suburban calm. After Jill's failed suicide attempt, we meet the source of her despair: her selfish husband Bill and their four noisy kids. Only the eldest, Tiffany, senses Jill's struggle.
When Jill transforms into a dog, chaos ensues. Bill and the kids, left to fend for themselves, face exaggerated challenges for comedic effect. The kids surprisingly treat their mother's situation like a game, giggling instead of reacting seriously.
Bill's broad portrayal seems like a satire of patriarchal uselessness, but the film downplays Jill's serious mental health crisis. The doctor and police suggest she's a danger, but the film takes an odd turn when Bill must fight Jill's sister and parents for custody.
Despite exploring bitterness, the film suddenly shifts to a more positive tone, sidelining Jill's desires. We rarely see Jill clearly, making it hard to understand her beyond the gimmicky dog transformation. Ultimately, "Bitch" focuses more on a man's emotional growth than a woman's struggles, leaving a disappointing taste.