Kornél Mundruczó’s ‘Pieces of a Woman’ Premieres at Venice Film Festival

Hungarian director and screenwriter Kornél Mundruczó’s film ‘Pieces of a Woman’ premiered in competition at the 77th Venice International Film Festival. The film opens with a nearly thirty-minute single-take sequence depicting childbirth, featuring a standout performance by Vanessa Kirby, while Shia LaBeouf’s role is less praised. Produced by Martin Scorsese and written by Kata Wéber, the story follows Boston couple Martha (Kirby) and Sean Carson (LaBeouf) as their relationship unravels after the death of their newborn daughter. The narrative centers on Martha’s emotional and physical experience, with her body serving as the primary vehicle for conveying grief. The couple’s conflict extends to Martha’s mother (Ellen Burstyn), who seeks to sue the midwife for negligence. Martha ultimately absolves the midwife in a courtroom monologue, rejecting the transfer of guilt. The film explores themes of loss, blame, and acceptance against a wintery Boston backdrop.