Poor Things

Poor Things is a 2023 comedy drama sci-fi feature film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and adapted for the screen by Tony McNamara. Inspired by the novel Poor Things: Episodes from the Early Life of Archibald McCandless M.D., Scottish Public Health Officer, penned by Alasdair Gray and published in 1992. The movie follows an account of the evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter.

Poor Things is a captivating and audacious exploration of life, death, scientific experimentation, sex, and everything in between. Directed by the visionary Yorgos Lanthimos, this film delivers a mesmerizing journey from London to Lisbon to Paris and back, with clear links to preceding films (or works of fiction) such as Frankenstein and Frankenhooker (1990). With outstanding performances, stunning production design, and a decidedly feminist perspective, Poor Things stands as another remarkable addition to Lanthimos' filmography.

At the heart of Poor Things lies the outstanding performance of Emma Stone as Bella Baxter — a character whose journey from infancy to womanhood is brilliantly comical and nuanced. Stone's portrayal of Bella is a tour de force, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. From her innocent and childlike demeanor to her transformation into an intelligent, independent individual, Stone captivates audiences with every subtle shift in her character's psyche and personality. Her portrayal is not just memorable; it is quite unforgettable, earning her a plethora of well-deserved accolades, including her second Academy Award for Best Actress (her first for her performance in Chazelle's 2016 film La La Land). However, Emma Stone is not alone in delivering a great performance. Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo shine in their respective roles, adding humor to the film with questionable accents and witty dialogue. Dafoe's portrayal of the 'unorthodox' scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter, is fantastic, while Ruffalo brings spades of humor to his character Duncan Wedderburn, a wealthy womanizer. Together, they form a formidable trio that anchors the film with their commanding presence.

Visually, Poor Things is a feast for the eyes, thanks to the idiosyncratic yet immersive production design inspired by steampunk aesthetics and crafted by a team including Shona Heath and James Price. Every frame is meticulously crafted, transporting viewers to a world that feels familiar and otherworldly. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the set design, from Lisbon's colorful, magical skies to the elaborate costumes in London, creating a rich and visually striking backdrop for the film's fun narrative.

One of the most significant aspects of Poor Things is its exploration of feminist themes, particularly in its approach to sexual desire and human sexuality. The film delves into Bella's growing sexual appetites and desires, presenting them in a playful, sometimes comedic, but always liberating and liberal manner.  There's lots of nudity and "furious jumping" (Bella's own name for sex), but the film avoids the male gaze and inappropriate objectification of the female body. In doing so, it challenges some traditional notions of femininity and female representation in cinema and empowers Bella (and perhaps female spectators) to embrace her own agency and autonomy.

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos once again proves himself to be one of the most unique and innovative filmmakers of the 21st century with Poor Things (which, arguably, isn't even his best film). His signature style, characterized by its surrealism, pitch-black humor, and captivating performances, is on full display here, fascinating audiences from start to finish. This style was solidified in his other works, such as Dogtooth, The Lobster, and The Killing of the Sacred Deer, but is perhaps more accessible to wider audiences in Poor Things, as was his 2019 hit The Favourite.