There are movies that are difficult to watch. It's hard to think of a subject more difficult than the death of a baby. Pieces of a Woman attacks this subject head on, a baby dies shortly after birth and the film follows the fallout of that on the parents and those around them. It is gut-wrenching right from the get go and doesn't look away.
Director Mundruczo's approach is to put it all on the table. Whether it is the anger and frustration seeping out, and sometimes bursting out, or the couple's stunted attempts at physical intimacy, he puts it on camera and just lets us see how hard it is. And it's all framed with scenes of the cold and icy Boston winter. It is powerfully and rightfully uncomfortable. The sadness is palpable.
Kirby has been rightfully singled out for her work in this film. She is very strong in a challenging role, without ever being overly dramatic. She paints the picture of a women struggling with incalculable loss authentically. She is supported by a strong cast around her. Burstyn has some amazing scenes.
Pieces of a Woman comes together to tell a very pointed and difficult story and tells it well. It goes on a bit long, and it takes something to endure, but I think generally it is worth it. The third struggles a bit with tone, feeling a bit stilted and the ending feels a little tacked on and unnecessary. But overall it is quite a satisfying watch.
Pieces of a Woman
Starring: Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, Ellen Burstyn, Molly Parker, Sarah Snook, Iliza Schesinger, Benny Safdie, Jimmie Fails
Director: Kornel Mundruczo
Writer: Kata Weber
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