Upamanyu Biswas
‘I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story‘ dives into the life of Natalie Suleman, also known as Nadya, who becomes a media sensation after miraculously giving birth to octuplets. Under the direction of Brianne Nord-Stewart, the Lifetime biographical movie follows Nadya as she juggles her parental responsibilities as a single mother of 14 children while also navigating the challenges of having her life plastered on tabloid reports. Meanwhile, the complications behind the IVF procedure that led to Nadya’s octuplet birth are also dissected as we learn about the unethical practices of her doctor. As it probes into different phases of Nadya’s life through the years, a comprehensive picture emerges of a woman trying her best for her children and overcoming the odds set against her, touching upon real-life themes of resilience and growth.
I Was Octomom is Based on a Real Woman’s Motherhood Journey
‘I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story’ is a dramatization of the life and exploits of Natalie Suleman, a woman known in the media as Octomom for birthing the first surviving octuplets in January 2009. The film chronicles her struggles with fame and the burdens of motherhood as she tried to financially provide for her fourteen children. Kelly Fullerton penned the script, uncovering the good and bad sides of the mother’s existence and decoding the intimate details through some fictionalized scenarios and conversations that draw upon the real-life story. However, for the most part, it faithfully recreates Natalie’s difficulties with mental health, social anxiety, and her complex domestic life. We also get to see her internal and external battle with the “Octomom” moniker bestowed upon her.
Although she became a mother in 2001, Natalie’s motherhood story came to public attention in 2009 when she birthed octuplets. The case became notorious for its medical implications, and the public questioned the feasibility of Natalie expanding her family, which they believed would be a misuse of taxpayers’ money. Her infertility expert, Dr. Kamrava, who had been helping with the in vitro fertilization treatments, was expelled by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In the meantime, she received death threats. She tried to finance her children’s needs independently, but it was a Herculean task. In an interview with People, the mother stated that after she gave birth to her eight kids, she “could not financially afford them. I was struggling. I was really desperate to make any money.” Eventually, she had to start making money via interviews and television show appearances.
The film portrays Natalie’s struggles quite accurately, showcasing her personal journey through dark times and having to take care of multiple kids as a single mom. When cash continued to be short, she also took on some jobs as an adult entertainer. Meanwhile, the name “Octomom” became a celebrity calling card used by people everywhere she went. She allegedly developed issues with alcohol and substance abuse. After a long period of debilitating problems, the mother of fourteen decided to step away from the spotlight’s glare in 2013. We get a glimpse of this in the movie as Natalie makes her peace with her “Octomom” persona and decides to reestablish her privacy and her desire to be more present in her children’s lives. Similar to her real-life counterpart, it helps her recalibrate her lifestyle and focus on what is important in the first place.
I Was Octomom is an Examination of Grit and Resolve
While ‘I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story’ mostly touches upon Natalie’s life, it also raises thought-provoking questions about the media, reproductive science, single parenting, and social welfare. These sectors are all hot-button topics in one manner or another, making them difficult to address without sparking massive controversy. To that end, the film delves into these tricky subject matters in a concise manner. Natalie’s story may be extraordinary in one sense. However, its implications are more far-reaching and highlight the need to persevere and stay resolute when faced with overwhelming odds.
At the heart of the narrative is Natalie’s determination to be a mother and not run away from her responsibilities. Intriguingly, the film has brief documentary-style interviews in which the real Natalie provides more context to her situation as we jump back and forth between her conversations and the dramatized events. This helps provide more authentic information about what actually transpired and how things played out in her life as opposed to what the movie presents, which aligns quite a lot. Overall, we learn much about the events behind the case from a subjective angle and how people rise to the occasion despite facing monumental challenges.
Read More: I Was Octomom The Natalie Suleman Story: Filming Locations and Cast Details
