Pieces of a Woman

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 30, 2020 (limited release)
January 7, 2021 (Netflix)

Genre
Drama

Cast & Crew

• Vanessa Kirby as Martha Weiss
• Shia LaBeouf as Sean Carson
• Ellen Burstyn as Elizabeth Weiss
• Molly Parker as Eva Woodward
• Iliza Shlesinger as Anita Weiss
• Sarah Snook as Suzanne Weiss
• Benny Safdie as Chris
• Jimmie Fails as Max

Director
Kornél Mundruczó

Other Movies Director is Known For

• White God (2014)
• Jupiter’s Moon (2017)
• Delta (2008)

Producer
Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Aaron Ryder

Writer
Kata Wéber

Budget
Estimated at $10 million

Production Company
BRON Studios, Little Lamb Productions, Creative Wealth Media

Running Time
126 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Graphic childbirth scene
• Strong language
• Mature themes

Movie Story
Pieces of a Woman is an emotionally charged drama that explores the devastating aftermath of a tragic home birth. The film, directed by Kornél Mundruczó and written by Kata Wéber, offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of grief, loss, and the struggle to move forward after an unimaginable tragedy.

The story centers on Martha Weiss (Vanessa Kirby), a woman whose life is shattered when her home birth ends in the death of her newborn daughter. The opening sequence of the film, a gripping 24-minute unbroken shot, depicts the harrowing labor and delivery, culminating in the baby’s death just moments after birth. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, which delves into the deep emotional and psychological impact of the loss on Martha, her partner Sean Carson (Shia LaBeouf), and her family.

As Martha attempts to navigate her grief, her relationship with Sean begins to deteriorate. Sean, a construction worker struggling with his own demons, feels increasingly alienated from Martha, who retreats into herself, grappling with her pain in silence. The couple’s once-loving relationship becomes strained as they process their grief in different ways.

Adding to the tension is Martha’s domineering mother, Elizabeth Weiss (Ellen Burstyn), who pressures Martha to take legal action against the midwife, Eva Woodward (Molly Parker), whom she blames for the tragedy. Elizabeth’s desire for justice clashes with Martha’s need to find her own path to healing, leading to powerful and confrontational scenes between mother and daughter.

The film captures Martha’s journey through the stages of grief, from denial and anger to eventual acceptance, as she learns to live with the loss and find a way to honor the memory of her daughter. Pieces of a Woman is a deeply personal and introspective film, focusing on the internal struggle of its central character and the complexities of her relationships with those around her.

Special Effects
The film’s power lies not in its special effects but in its direction, performances, and cinematography. The use of long takes and close-ups creates an intimate and immersive experience, drawing the audience into Martha’s world and allowing them to feel the weight of her emotions. The stark, minimalist approach to the film’s visual style mirrors the raw and unembellished nature of the story, emphasizing the emotional reality of the characters.

Box Office Performance
Pieces of a Woman was released on Netflix after a limited theatrical release, where it garnered critical acclaim, particularly for Vanessa Kirby’s performance. The film’s success on the streaming platform brought it to a wide audience, and it became a significant entry in the awards season, earning accolades and nominations for its performances and screenplay.

Filming Locations

• Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “How do you live with yourself?” – Martha Weiss
• “If you walk out of that door, I won’t let you back in.” – Elizabeth Weiss
• “I wanted to stay here, because I don’t want to be anywhere else. Because I want to be with her.” – Martha Weiss

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Kornél Mundruczó and writer Kata Wéber, who are married in real life, drew on their own experiences with loss to create Pieces of a Woman. The film’s unflinching portrayal of grief is deeply personal, with Wéber’s screenplay exploring the complexities of coping with tragedy and the ways it can affect relationships. Vanessa Kirby’s performance as Martha earned widespread acclaim, with her portrayal of a woman in the throes of grief being praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Ellen Burstyn’s role as Elizabeth also received recognition, particularly for a powerful monologue that delves into her character’s own past traumas.

Awards

• Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress (Vanessa Kirby)
• Nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Vanessa Kirby)
• Won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress (Vanessa Kirby) at the Venice Film Festival
• Nominated for Critics’ Choice Awards (Best Actress – Vanessa Kirby, Best Supporting Actress – Ellen Burstyn)

Final Verdict
Pieces of a Woman is a profoundly moving and heartbreaking film that explores the depths of grief and the complexities of human emotion. With a powerful lead performance by Vanessa Kirby and strong supporting turns by Shia LaBeouf and Ellen Burstyn, the film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. It’s a difficult but ultimately rewarding watch, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of a woman’s journey through the most challenging moments of her life.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10