Table of Contents
Poor Things
“Poor Things,” a captivating 2023 romantic science fantasy black comedy film, directed by the acclaimed Yorgos Lanthimos and penned by Tony McNamara, takes inspiration from Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same title. The stellar cast includes Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael. The narrative revolves around Bella Baxter, a young Victorian woman who, following a crude resurrection by a scientist post her suicide, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sexual liberation alongside a debauched lawyer.
Premiering at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023, where it clinched the Golden Lion, “Poor Things” reached the United States on December 8, 2023, and is set for release in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2024, distributed by Searchlight Pictures. Earning critical acclaim, especially for Emma Stone’s performance, the film secured a spot among the top 10 films of 2023 by both the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review. Additionally, it has garnered seven Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Set in Victorian London, the story unfolds with medical student Max McCandles becoming an assistant to the surgeon Dr. Godwin Baxter. Falling in love with Bella, Godwin’s ward with a childlike disposition, Max learns of her tragic past involving suicide and a peculiar resurrection experiment. Despite her infantile mind, Max seeks Godwin’s permission to marry Bella. However, driven by a desire for freedom, Bella elopes with the flamboyant lawyer Duncan Wedderburn. Godwin, undeterred, embarks on a new experiment with a woman named Felicity.
Bella and Duncan’s journey takes them from Lisbon to Paris, filled with hedonism and encounters with fellow travelers. Bella’s exposure to philosophy leads her to challenge Duncan’s control, and her actions in Alexandria expose her to the harsh realities of the world. Financial troubles force them off a cruise ship in Marseille, where Bella finds herself working in a brothel. Here, she befriends Madame Swiney and embraces socialist ideals through her friendship with Toinette.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Godwin, terminally ill, requests Max to bring Bella back. After locating Duncan, institutionalized after a breakdown, Max reunites Bella with Godwin. The reunion is disrupted by Duncan and General Alfie Blessington, revealing Bella’s prior marriage to Alfie. Choosing a life with Alfie, Bella soon realizes the grim reality of her situation. Alfie’s violent nature and her past suicide to escape their marriage haunt her. In a moment of confrontation, Bella cleverly thwarts Alfie’s plans for genital mutilation.
Godwin peacefully passes away, and Bella, now enlightened, resolves to continue his work with Max and Toinette. In a surprising revelation, Alfie’s fate involves a brain swap with a goat.
The collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone unfolds the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter. “Poor Things” presents an eccentric and intentionally unsettling narrative, showcasing Lanthimos’s mastery in crafting oddities. The film dives deeper into absurdity than “The Favourite,” featuring running gags, fisheye lenses, mad science, outrageous characters, and stunning set and costume designs reminiscent of a lavish Michel Gondry period piece.
The story draws parallels to Voltaire’s Candide, portraying a naive woman, Bella, thrust into a nightmarish world of societal norms. Emma Stone’s portrayal skillfully navigates the varying mental acuity demanded by the film’s science fiction premise. Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo deliver standout performances, fully embracing the satirical and absurd nature of their roles.
Despite its 2 hours and 21 minutes runtime, “Poor Things” maintains a riveting pace, with not a dull moment. The film delves into raw critiques on class, shame, sex, abuse, and dependence, presented in an impeccably awkward and satirically brilliant manner. Yorgos Lanthimos once again delivers a remarkable film, offering profound insights into human nature. For fans of Lanthimos’s previous works, “Poor Things” is a must-watch, promising a captivating and thought-provoking experience.
Summary
In Victorian London, aspiring medical student Max McCandles becomes the assistant to the eccentric surgeon Dr. Godwin Baxter. His life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with Bella, Godwin’s ward, a woman with a childlike mind due to a controversial experiment. Bella, seeking freedom, elopes with lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, embarking on a journey filled with hedonism and self-discovery.
As their adventures unfold, Bella’s encounters in Lisbon and Alexandria expose her to the harsh realities of the world. Struggling with funds, she ends up working in a brothel, where she embraces socialist ideals. Meanwhile, Godwin, on his deathbed, requests Max to bring Bella back.
Returning to London, Bella reconciles with Max, but her past catches up when General Alfie Blessington claims to be her husband. Bella, now known as Victoria, chooses to start a new life with Alfie. However, she soon realizes the dark nature of their relationship and faces a horrifying threat from Alfie.
Despite the tumultuous events, Godwin peacefully passes away, leaving Bella determined to continue his work for equality and liberation. The film concludes with a surprising twist as Alfie’s fate is revealed.
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and produced by Emma Stone, “Poor Things” is a fantastical tale that explores the unconventional life of Bella Baxter. The film, marked by Lanthimos’s signature oddity, features remarkable performances, witty dialogue, and stunning visuals. Emma Stone shines in her portrayal of Bella, navigating the complexities of her character’s evolving mental state.
“Poor Things” delves into themes of class, shame, sex, abuse, and dependence with satirical brilliance. The film’s quirkiness, reminiscent of Lanthimos’s previous works, is accentuated by its unique style, including fisheye lenses and an unsettling musical theme. The runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes is captivating throughout, offering a thought-provoking and entertaining experience.
In essence, “Poor Things” stands as another exceptional addition to Yorgos Lanthimos’s filmography, delivering a compelling narrative and incisive social commentary. If you appreciate Lanthimos’s distinctive style and storytelling, this film is a must-watch, offering a captivating blend of satire, absurdity, and profound truths about the human condition.
Release Date
Poor Things premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023, and was featured at the Telluride Film Festival, the New York Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, the Busan International Film Festival, and the Sitges Film Festival. Searchlight Pictures released the film in the United States on December 8, 2023, with plans for a wider release on December 22, 2023. The United Kingdom and Ireland will see its release on January 12, 2024. Originally slated for September 8, 2023, the release was postponed to December due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Tv Series Cast
Top Four Cast
- Emma Stone as by Bella Baxter/Victoria Blessington
- Mark Ruffalo as by Duncan Wedderburn
- Willem Dafoe as by Dr. Godwin Baxter
- Ramy Youssef as by Max McCandles
- Christopher Abbott as by Alfie Blessington
- Jerrod Carmichael as by Harry Astley
- Margaret Qualley as by Felicity
- Kathryn Hunter as by Madame Swiney
- Suzy Bemba as by Toinette
- Hanna Schygulla as by Martha Von Kurtzroc
- Vicki Pepperdine as by Mrs. Prim
- Wayne Brett as by Priest
- Tom Stourton as by Steward
- Carminho as by Fado Singing Woman
- Jerskin Fendrix as by Lisbon Restaurant Musician
In March 2021, negotiations began with Willem Dafoe to join the cast of the film. By April, talks were underway with Ramy Youssef, later confirmed along with Dafoe in May. Mark Ruffalo and Jerrod Carmichael also joined in May, followed by Christopher Abbott in September. November saw the additions of Margaret Qualley, Suzy Bemba, and Kathryn Hunter to the cast.
Emma Stone, portraying the character Bella, took dance lessons and unintentionally dyed her hair black for the role, a look director Yorgos Lanthimos found captivating. Bella’s character, reborn with a liberated mindset, appealed to Stone due to the exploration of societal pressures and the freedom to live by one’s own rules.
Stone valued Bella’s lack of shame regarding her experiences, describing her as a joyous character to play. Youssef and Dafoe attended mortician school for their roles, undergoing unconventional pre-filming exercises assigned by Lanthimos.
Discussing male characterizations, Lanthimos noted the diversity in motivations but highlighted a general tendency to control Bella, reflecting Victorian-era attitudes. As Bella gains agency, Stone observed it drives the male characters to madness, challenging societal expectations. Dafoe’s commitment to the role included six hours daily in hair and makeup, emphasizing the unconventional and risky nature of the film’s approach.
Tv Series Information
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Directed | Yorgos Lanthimos |
| Screenplay | Tony McNamara |
| Based | Poor Things by Alasdair Gray |
| Produced |
|
| Edited | Yorgos Mavropsaridis |
| Music | Jerskin Fendrix |
| Production |
|
| Distributed | Searchlight Pictures |
| Box office | $35 Million |
| Time | 141 Minutes |
| Country |
|
| Languages | English |
| Release | January 12, 2024 |
