Poor Things
Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things offers a bizarre reimagining of the classical Frankenstein tale, which you wouldn’t know if you haven’t watched the trailer or read any other promo material. When we first meet Bella, her speech, walk, and actions are confusing. Just like the professor’s assistant, we find ourselves wondering why she behaves this way and what led to her current state. However, it doesn’t take long to discover that she’s Godwin Baxter’s (Willem Dafoe) experiment, along with the goose-headed pug, duck-headed goat, and other peculiar creatures. It is important to note that Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, calls him “God,” perhaps based on his teachings. As we delve into Bella’s world, we see research assistant Max, played by Ramy Youssef, fall in love with her, despite her weirdness and unclear origins. But, unfortunately for him, right after their engagement, a solicitor named Duncan Wedderburn visits Baxter’s mansion, seduces Bella and convinces her to join him in his grand and, apparently, sex-filled adventure.
Duncan is a hilarious character who goes through many emotional stages with Bella. Mark Ruffalo’s performance was truly elevating for the character and was a perfect casting for the role.
Throughout the film, we witness Bella’s transformation, as she explores her senses and desires. This story is truly fascinating to watch, as a once unconscious being discovers taste, pleasure, fear, disgust, and a variety of other feelings and emotions. The film also doesn’t shy away from the explicit elements of her awakening and features multiple scenes of full nudity in sexual scenarios labelled by her as “furious jumping.”
While the film initially adopts the classic black-and-white cinematography associated with many Frankenstein reprises, as Bella’s journey unfolds colors gradually grace the screen. She escapes the eerie mansion, venturing into a world unlike any I’ve ever seen. The baroque stylistic choice perfectly complements this unique tale and demonstrates Yorgos Lanthimos’s technical and imaginative prowess. Some locations even depict Biblical imagery, such as the Tower of Babylon, suggesting possible sources of inspiration for the director.
The production team and costume designers deserve a special mention for their brilliant use of shapes and colors. The vivid thematic elements of the world held me captive, as I eagerly sought out every intricate detail on the screen. Together with Jerskin Fendrix’s exceptional score, Poor Things assembles all the essential ingredients for a tale that will keep you gasping at every turn of the way.
Emma Stone’s performance as Bella is nothing short of divine. She skillfully portrays Bella’s transformation from a childlike innocence to a self-assured woman. Every move, emotion, and reaction from Stone captures the essence of Bella’s character, and this performance is a testament to her acting skills.
Poor Things is undeniably a beautiful and memorable film; a must-watch for anyone craving a unique and enchanting cinematic experience. It captivates with its one-of-a-kind exploration of beauty and the grotesque, delving into complex themes of human nature.
