Pieces of a Woman (2020)

Tense uncomfortable dramas carry potential in how effective they can be with their subject matter. On paper they can feel formulaic in structure but execution can make the difference between having emotional investment and being taken out of the experience. Typically it will start with a tragic incident regarding sensitive subject matter and everything else that follows would be the ramifications of that event (differing behavior from before and relationships that are affected by it). This brings us to Pieces of a Woman, which was directed by Kornel Mundruczo and written by Kata Weber (based on an experience the screenwriter went through that occurs here). There wasn't much known about this except for the positive buzz it received on social media following its film festival debut and the starring actors. I remained as blind as possible to the marketing and after watching it on Netflix, I was impressed by its surprising strength.

Note: To those who are planning to watch it, please don't read the Netflix synopsis as it unfortunately ruins a major beginning plot point. Just click play right away

What's it about? Following a devastating event, the ramifications affect relationships between a husband, wife, and the wife's mother while exploring affected character dynamics. Something to note about the plot structure here is that it moves forward with time progression a month or two at a time. There are some scenes with great camera work with the highlight being a one shot long take sequence within the first 30 minutes. The point of views between the main characters feels engaging to watch as the passage of time reaches a boiling point where it erupts.

For all of its shining strengths, there are some blemishes that get in the way of its quality. Throughout the film, deteriorating bonds between relationships dynamics but one of the scenes in that downward spiral results in an abrupt shift in one of the characters and it sticks out like a rushed sore thumb. The final scene feels very different to how uncomfortable the whole story is and it could have been cut out.

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Vanessa Kirby and Shia LaBeouf. Vanessa gives arguably the best performance that's engaging to watch her react to an effect on her life (both physically and mentally) that shouldn't be ignored. Shia does a good job here as a partner attempting to recover his bond to a state of normalcy and his interactions with Vanessa sell that well. Honorable mentions go to Ellen Burstyn and Molly Parker due to the formers great acting in her scenes with the leads while the latter does a stellar portrayal with her important role with limited screen time. 

 

Overall Consensus: Pieces of a Woman provides a tense uncomfortable dramatic experience that's bolstered by mostly solid writing, excellent acting, and good cinematography. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/4 Runtime: 2 hours 7 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or director Kornel Mundruczo. You like seeing how realistic painful events affects dynamics. You don't mind dramas regarding topics that might feel overused as long as the execution rises to the occasion. You are in the mood for an uncomfortable story with wonderful performances. 

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or director Kornel Mundruczo. You dislike seeing how realistic painful events affects dynamics. You have an issue with dramas slightly overusing familiar topics. You aren't in the mood for an uncomfortable story.