Amy Adams takes on a remarkable role in her latest film, delving deep into the realm of feral instincts. In this captivating story, she portrays a character who seemingly transforms into a dog as a means of coping with the challenges of new motherhood. The film showcases Adams' ability to fully immerse herself in the character, from sprouting a tail to howling at the night moon and enjoying a dog bowl.

Unleashing the Feral Side in Amy Adams' 'Nightbitch'

Character Transformation and Coping Mechanism

Adams tells PEOPLE in this week's issue about her character in "Nightbitch." The character, grappling with the weight and isolation of motherhood, finds a unique way to cope by embracing her animalistic side. It's a journey that allows her to break free from the constraints of others' opinions and tap into her instinctive and immediate feelings. This wild abandon becomes a liberating experience for her.

On set, director Marielle Heller witnessed Adams' commitment. She describes the character as initially having little life force, walking around like a zombie. But as she connects with her animalistic side, it reignites a fire within her, bringing her back to life. Adams' performance was so convincing that the dogs on set even reacted, flipping out and lunging towards her. However, Adams remained a professional, hitting the deck and covering her head before trying the scene again after the team reworked it.

This transformation showcases Adams' talent for taking on challenging and unique roles. It's a testament to her ability to immerse herself fully in a character and bring it to life on the screen.

Building a Respected Career in Hollywood

Adams made her film debut 25 years ago and has since built one of the most respected careers in Hollywood. With six Oscar nominations, she has showcased her versatility in roles ranging from a suspicious nun in "Doubt" opposite Meryl Streep to a linguist interacting with alien life in "The Arrival."

Her latest role in "Nightbitch" has stayed with her, especially when it comes to battling "unrealistic expectations" as a working mother. Adams finds inspiration in this character, emphasizing the importance of tapping into one's self and embracing one's feelings.

Adams has also reached a milestone in her life with her 50th birthday. This has led her to a place of openness and a search for new experiences. As she says, "I am not going to judge myself anymore. I am going to be accepting."

For more of Amy Adams's interview and insights, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.