Watch Pieces of a Woman

Pieces of a Woman is a 2020 drama film that tells the story of a couple named Martha (Vanessa Kirby) and Sean (Shia LaBeouf), who are expecting their first child. As the due date approaches, Martha’s anxiety begins to heighten, but she proceeds with a home birth anyway. However, the birth does not go as planned; a tragedy occurs, and Martha is left dealing with the aftermath of the loss.

The first 30 minutes of the film are almost entirely dedicated to the birthing process, during which the camera doesn't cut or leave the couple's apartment. This unbroken shot provides the audience with a sense of immersion into the experience, almost making them feel like they're in the same room. While the scene is intense, the actors do an excellent job of portraying the raw emotion and the gritty realism of childbirth. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, as it swiftly moves into dealing with the repercussions of Martha's trauma from the event.

As the film progresses, Martha's grief starts to take hold, and her relationships with her mother (Ellen Burstyn), her husband, and others in her life become strained. Ellen Burstyn plays her role as a mother who is trying to come to terms with the loss of her grandchild, which creates tension between her and Martha. Shia Labeouf plays Sean, Martha's partner, who tries to help her through the experience in his own way but struggles to cope with it himself.

The film's cinematography is stunning and creates a sense of isolation, showcasing the various characters struggling with their pain alone, both physically and emotionally. The score itself is melancholic, adding to the somber mood that permeates the film, which in turn encapsulates the central theme of pain, loss and grief.

Throughout the film, Martha tries to find a way to cope with her trauma, expressing her pain in different ways, such as a harrowing scene where she visits the hospital and encounters a group therapy session, where it becomes clear that she is not alone in her suffering. The film deals with weighty issues, such as emotional numbness, the struggle of rebuilding trust and the role of society in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

What stands out in this movie is the manner in which it tackles the question of the relationship between the loss of an unborn child and the maternal grief that it triggers. It gives a glimpse into the agony of a mother torn apart by loss, but also focuses on how such pain bleeds into the lives of those around her. Whether it is the mounting tensions between Martha and her mother, her partner or the healthcare providers, the film present these relationships as a web of troubled emotions, hurt and misunderstandings.

In conclusion, Pieces of a Woman is a powerful and poignant drama that takes a hard yet compassionate look at loss and grief. The film's direction allows for the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles, inviting the audience to undertake a cathartic journey by confronting the hard truths that characters like Martha must face. Not for the faint of heart, this film is a stark and realistic portrayal of what happens when loss strikes a family, and how they can come to terms with the aftermath. Definitely worth a watch.

Pieces of a Woman is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 66.