B!tch

B!tch is a 2017 independent dark comedy-drama film written and directed by Marianna Palka, who also stars in the movie, alongside famed actors like Jason Ritter and Jaime King. The movie employs a distinctive blend of comedy, drama, and surrealism to depict a unique story centered on marital discord, mental health, female empowerment, and societal norms. Palka flexes her creative muscles in this intriguingly original film, demonstrating a sharp command over the script and an acute understanding of the characters she has created.

The film features a high-achieving yet self-absorbed businessman, Bill (Jason Ritter), largely detached from the everyday chaos of his growingly unstable family. He is busy making deals, working late hours, and turning a blind eye towards his familial responsibilities.

Meanwhile, his wife, Jill (Marianna Palka), finds herself sinking under the weight of these responsibilities, working tirelessly as a homemaker while also juggling the demands of their four children, unaided and unappreciated. Her character is trapped in a mundane and thankless life, exacerbated by her husband's extensive work hours, emotional distance, and lack of empathy.

As the stress of her life reaches a tipping point, Jill suffers a substantial mental breakdown leading her to assume the psyche and behavior of a ferocious dog. From crawling on all fours, barking, and even sleeping in the basement, Jill's transformation reflects her protest against a patriarchal society and an indifferent, self-centered husband, as well as a desperate plea for help.

Baffled and initially dismissive of Jill's concerning behavior, Bill is thrust into the unfamiliar territory of single-parenthood, housekeeping, and dealing with his wife's worsening mental state. Jason Ritter delivers an impressive performance as the flustered patriarch, and his character development is instrumental in cultivating an emotional undertone to the comedic circumstances.

Parallel to the main storyline, the movie also features a subplot involving a budding relationship between Bill's younger sister, Beth (Jaime King), and a school psychologist. These characters offer an interesting contrast to the chaotic main plot, introducing elements of romance, empathy, and understanding into the narrative.

B!tch utilizes its unconventional premise to explore various important themes. It forces the viewers to confront the segmented reality of mental health issues and how the societal norms can suffocate and force one to lose their identity. Through its comedic lens, it criticizes the traditional gender roles that cause women to bear unreasonable burdens of familial responsibilities. The movie underlines the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation in any relationship, particularly a marital one.

With its rich thematic content, B!tch encourages viewers to question societal norms and gender stereotypes that bind individuals in certain roles, sapping their freedom and individuality. Palka's exceptional screenplay and direction ensure that the exploration of these serious themes never feels heavy-handed or preachy, making the film an enjoyable watch despite its dark subject matter.

On a technical level, the cinematography of B!tch is admirably done, with camera angles and lighting working in tandem to portray the characters' intense emotional states. The production design effectively communicates the mundane reality of Jill’s life while also realistically depicting the disarray that follows her breakdown. Palka uses visual elements intelligently, such as the contrast between Jill’s dark basement and the comparatively bright, tidy rest of the house, which subtly contributes to the narrative of the movie.

In conclusion, B!tch serves as a commendable addition to independent cinema, transcending conventional storytelling with its bold narrative, arresting performances, and an unapologetically honest depiction of mental health and familial dynamics. Aided by a brilliant script, brave performances, and smart filmmaking choices, Palka successfully brings this outlandish, comedic, and emotionally stirring story to life. The film is not only a visual treat but an engaging narrative that prompts viewers to introspect about societal norms, mental health, and the value of empathy and understanding in our daily lives.