Pieces of a Woman is a powerful 2020 drama film directed by Kornél Mundruczó, with a screenplay written by Kata Wéber. The film tackles the harrowing emotional journey of Martha (played by Vanessa Kirby) after a traumatic home birth experience that results in the loss of her baby. The story further delves into the legal and emotional consequences that follow, with the midwife Eva (Molly Parker) facing a court case over the tragic event, instigated by Martha’s mother, Elizabeth (Ellen Burstyn).
Produced by Little Lamb, Bron Studios, Proton Cinema, and Creative Wealth Media, Pieces of a Woman is an international co-production between the United States and Canada. The film premiered on September 4, 2020, at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, where Vanessa Kirby won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. It was released in select theaters on December 30, 2020, before making its streaming debut on Netflix on January 7, 2021.
Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie on Netflix
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Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie Plot Summary:
Martha Weiss and Sean Carson, a young couple from Boston, are expecting their first child. As Martha enters labor, they are forced to rely on a substitute midwife, Eva, when their original midwife, Barbara, is unavailable. The home birth seems to be going well until Eva notices the baby’s heart rate dropping. After a few moments of panic and uncertainty, Martha delivers a baby girl, who appears healthy at first but soon turns blue. Eva attempts to revive the baby, but tragically, the infant dies.
This traumatic event shakes Martha and Sean’s relationship, as well as Martha’s connection with her domineering mother, Elizabeth. Tensions arise, particularly when Elizabeth blames Martha’s decision to have a home birth for the baby’s death. Martha, meanwhile, grapples with immense grief while the legal case against Eva looms, with a possible lawsuit that could bring financial gain. Sean becomes emotionally distant and falls back into destructive behaviors, including using cocaine after seven years of sobriety and having an affair with Martha’s cousin.
In a powerful courtroom scene, Martha testifies and forgives Eva, expressing that she does not blame the midwife for the baby’s death. This cathartic moment allows Martha to begin healing, and in the film’s final act, she is shown scattering her baby’s ashes into a river, symbolizing her release from the past. The film ends with a serene, hopeful scene showing Martha and a young girl, Lucianna, bonding over an apple tree—a powerful metaphor for renewal and growth.
Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie Cast:
- Vanessa Kirby as Martha Weiss
- Shia LaBeouf as Sean Carson
- Molly Parker as Eva Woodward
- Ellen Burstyn as Elizabeth Weiss
- Sarah Snook as Suzanne Weiss
- Iliza Shlesinger as Anita Weiss
- Benny Safdie as Chris
- Jimmie Fails as Max
- Tyrone Benskin as the Judge
- Harry Standjofski as Court Clerk
Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie Production Details:
Pieces of a Woman is based on the stage play of the same name by director Kornél Mundruczó and writer Kata Wéber. The story is deeply personal for the couple, as it draws from their own experience with miscarriage. The film’s script also weaves in themes from the real-life trial of Hungarian midwife Ágnes Geréb, who faced legal consequences over a similar childbirth tragedy.
Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie Production Team:
- Director: Kornél Mundruczó
- Screenplay: Kata Wéber
- Producers: Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Aaron Ryder
- Executive Producers: Sam Levinson, Martin Scorsese
- Cinematography: Benjamin Loeb
- Music: Howard Shore
Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie Themes and Reception:
The film examines profound themes of grief, trauma, family dynamics, and healing. Martha’s emotional isolation and inner turmoil reflect the universal struggle of processing loss, making the film particularly resonant in a time marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Vanessa Kirby’s performance as Martha received widespread acclaim, earning her nominations for major awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a SAG Award, and a Golden Globe. Ellen Burstyn’s portrayal of Martha’s mother, Elizabeth, also garnered praise, with critics highlighting the film’s emotionally charged mother-daughter dynamic. Despite the positive reception for the acting, some reviewers criticized the film’s pacing and narrative structure, feeling that certain aspects of the story were underdeveloped.
Trailer: Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie
The trailer for Pieces of a Woman offers a glimpse into the film’s heart-wrenching narrative. It opens with the intense home birth scene, setting the tone for the emotional journey that follows. Martha’s silent grief, strained relationships, and the looming legal battle are portrayed through a series of poignant, visually powerful moments.
Where to Watch:
Pieces of a Woman is available to stream on Netflix.
Here is the Netflix Link to Watch: “Pieces of a Woman“.
Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie Director:
Kornél Mundruczó, a Hungarian filmmaker, directed the film as his first English-language feature. His previous works include acclaimed European films like White God.
Pieces of a Woman Hollywood Movie Writer:
Kata Wéber penned the screenplay for Pieces of a Woman, drawing on her own experiences of loss and grief. She also co-wrote the original stage play on which the film is based.
Languages:
The film is available in English.
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is Pieces of a Woman about?
Pieces of a Woman tells the story of a woman named Martha who suffers the loss of her newborn child during a home birth and navigates the ensuing grief, strained relationships, and a legal battle against the midwife who assisted in the birth. - Is Pieces of a Woman based on a true story?
While the film draws on the real-life experiences of the writer Kata Wéber and director Kornél Mundruczó, it is a fictionalized account. It also incorporates elements of the trial of Hungarian midwife Ágnes Geréb. - Where can I watch Pieces of a Woman?
You can stream Pieces of a Woman on Netflix. - What awards did Vanessa Kirby win for her role in Pieces of a Woman?
Vanessa Kirby won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival and received nominations for the Academy Award, BAFTA, SAG, Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe. - Who directed Pieces of a Woman?
The film was directed by Hungarian filmmaker Kornél Mundruczó. - What is the significance of the apple in Pieces of a Woman?
The apple serves as a recurring metaphor in the film, symbolizing Martha’s grief and eventual healing. The baby is described as smelling like apples, and the film ends with Martha and Lucianna bonding over an apple tree. - When was Pieces of a Woman released on Netflix?
The film was released on Netflix on January 7, 2021. - What is the running time of Pieces of a Woman?
The movie has a running time of 128 minutes. - Is Pieces of a Woman a family-friendly movie?
Due to its intense themes of grief, trauma, and loss, Pieces of a Woman is better suited for mature audiences. - What themes are explored in Pieces of a Woman?
The film explores themes of trauma, grief, loss, family dynamics, and healing in the aftermath of tragedy.
Conclusion:
Pieces of a Woman is a powerful, emotionally charged drama that explores the complexities of grief, trauma, and familial relationships. With standout performances, especially from Vanessa Kirby and Ellen Burstyn, the film delves into the raw and painful aftermath of loss while highlighting themes of forgiveness and healing. Its unflinching portrayal of a tragic event and the subsequent emotional fallout makes it a profound and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
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