Women of the Night: Exploring Empowerment in Nightbitch, Alley Cat, and Anora

Cinema has always mirrored society’s complexities, but some themes have stayed in the shadows. Up until recent history, women’s issues, such as putting careers on hold for children, violence against women, and sex work, were not explored much. Motherhood, as common as it is, is frequently romanticized, glossing over its identity-erasing toll. Similarly, sex work is stigmatized rather than humanized, and violence against women is too often sensationalized instead of contextualized as a societal failure. 

This blog focuses on films, new and old, that explore themes often kept in the dark.  Nightbitch (2024), Alley Cat (1984), and Anora (2024) bring these underexplored narratives to light, each centering on women navigating extraordinary challenges. From the surreal trials of motherhood to the stigmas surrounding sex work and the harrowing realities of violence against women, these films share a thread of empowerment forged through adversity. 

(Searchlight/Disney)

In Nightbitch, directed by Marielle Heller, an artist’s (Amy Adams)  world is upended when she steps away from her career to embrace motherhood. What begins as an exploration of her maternal instincts quickly takes a surreal turn as those instincts manifest in canine form. This film doesn’t shy away from portraying the raw, often isolating experience of motherhood. It acknowledges the identity shifts and sacrifices many women face, unearthing the primal power that lies beneath the surface. 

(Neon)

Anora, starring Mikey Madison, offers a modern twist on the fairytale trope. It chronicles the journey of a Brooklyn-based sex worker whose life takes an unexpected turn when she marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Yet, her dream quickly encounters resistance as her in-laws travel to New York, intent on annulling the marriage. 

This narrative sheds light on the societal stigmas faced by women like Anora, who work in marginalized industries. Her journey is one of resilience and self-worth as she navigates a world determined to undermine her happiness. Anora compels viewers to confront their preconceived notions about sex work and recognize the humanity and strength of women in these roles.

The 1984 cult classic Alley Cat, now streaming on TheArchive, follows Billie Clark (Karin Mani), a young martial artist who seeks justice after her grandparents are murdered by a gang she caught stealing from her. Billie’s journey is one of physical and emotional endurance as she transforms her grief into vengeance. Female rage is an often cathartic thing to watch portrayed in media. Seeing a woman embrace her justified anger and act on it can be an emotional release for the audience. 

At its core, Alley Cat addresses the epidemic of violence against women and the societal pressure for victims to remain silent and internalize their rage. Billie’s decision to fight back, both literally and figuratively, positions her as a beacon of empowerment, showing that women can reclaim their narratives. 

What ties these films together is their focus on women who refuse to be confined by societal expectations. Whether it’s the surreal exploration of motherhood in Nightbitch, the stigmas challenged in Anora, or the physical fight for justice in Alley Cat, each story celebrates the resilience and power of women who are often ignored, marginalized, or targeted.

Looking for even more ways to watch and enjoy excellent movies & TV series?!? Head on over to YouTube and subscribe to Grapevine Documentaries, Multicom Entertainment, and TheArchive.These channels are dedicated to aficionados and lovers of cinema. You’ll find rare, retro, and restored films and TV, ranging from indies and series to Oscar-winning docs, unearthed MOWs, a killer horror library, and MORE!  

TheArchive channel is dedicated to aficionados and lovers of story, craft, and silver screen fun – streaming rare, retro, and restored films and classic TV. From indies and series, to Oscar winning documentaries, unearthed MOWs, and a killer horror library, TheArchive delivers forgotten, never-before-seen gems for free and many in 4K. Marilyn, Karloff, and Orson Welles stream alongside Reese, Keanu, and Samuel L. Jackson. Find true stories of Queen, Hendrix, and Sinatra, an LGBTQ library, MLK bios, and world history docs. TheArchive has the movies and shows you either saw, should’ve seen, or should be watching now!