Pieces of a Woman

Pieces of a Woman centers on Martha Weiss, a first time mother whose home birth ends in a tragedy that reshapes her family. What follows is a tightly observed portrait of grief as she and her partner Sean Carson confront a loss that feels intimate and unspeakable. The film narrows its focus to the raw, unglamorous moments that follow the baby’s arrival and the courtroom tension that surrounds the event, without sugar coating the emotional cost. As the year unfolds, Martha wrestles with memory, responsibility, and the pressure to reconcile with relatives who demand explanations, while friends and loved ones struggle to offer support without intrusion. The result is a restrained, intimate look at how bereavement can fracture a household.

Directed by Kornél Mundruczó from a screenplay by Kata Wéber, Pieces of a Woman arrived in 2020 as a tightly tuned, intimate drama. It premiered at festivals and was released on Netflix, anchored by Vanessa Kirby's standout performance alongside Shia LaBeouf and Ellen Burstyn.

Vanessa Kirby earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her harrowing portrayal of Martha. The film drew attention during awards season for its performances and technical craft, signaling Mundruczó's ability to handle delicate material with intensity. The attention extended to craft and direction, underscoring Mundruczó's sensitive handling.

The movie sparked conversation about motherhood and trauma, in particular the unforgettable opening birth sequence shot in a single long take. Kirby's fearless performance prompted discussions about grief, accountability, and the limits of forgiveness within a family strained by loss. It has become a touchstone for intense family drama.

Critics praised its unflinching look at grief, the claustrophobic intimacy of the set pieces, and the way the film refuses easy explanations for Martha's pain. Themes of memory, culpability, and the toll of tragedy on relationships anchor the drama. Its restraint invites continued discussion about grieving openly and privately.