In 1992, author, Alasdair Gray published a book titled, “Poor Things.” A sci-fi dark dramedy set in a steampunk world about a woman named, Bella Baxter who’s brought back to life by a scientist. Her old brain is removed and replaced with an infant’s brain. Resulting in no memories of her previous life and has the mind of a little girl. Bella travels with a lawyer on a journey exploring her what it means as a human. As the story progresses, Bella’s intelligence grows maturing into a young woman adapting her surroundings.
In 2009, filmmaker, Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Favorite) pays a visit to Alasdair discussing a film adaptation of Poor Things. After seeing “Dogtooth,” the latter encouraged the former to adapt his book. Prior to filming, Alasdair kicked the bucket. After Emma Stone (my fourth favorite actress) received praise for her role in Yorgo’s “The Favorite,” they begin development. Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef & Margaret Qualley signed on.
Poor Things premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2023 and eventually released worldwide on December 22, 2023. It received critical acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. Awards Season is my favorite season. Speaking of which, Poor Things has seven nominations at the 81st Golden Globe Awards including “Best Musical or Comedy.”
Today’s review contains no crucial SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Smart & Dumb Qualities
Smart: Emma Stone did an excellent job for her performance as Bella. She also co-produced the film.
Other Cast Members such as Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef & Margaret Qualley all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: As you may know Emma, Mark & Willem played Marvel characters. It’s like I’m watching fan fiction coming to life.
Yorgos Lanthimos did a superb job directing. He also co-produced the film.
Tony McNamara wrote the script. He made sure elements from the novel remain intact.
Jerskin Fendrix orchestrated the soundtrack.
Humor contains dark comedy and absurd moments. I laughed so hard when Bella says this line. “I must go punch that baby.” By the way, a Dance Scene made me crack up. I’m giving Emma a ton of Bonus Points for her performance. It’s her best work since “La La Land.”
I’m gonna let you in on a warning. Emma’s naked and has sex. She’s not afraid to get frisky. Don’t watch this with your kids. In the words of the robotic announcer from Adult Swim Action. “Put the kids to bed and get ready to get down.”
The Tone manages to blend drama and comedy perfectly. Although Poor Things is distributed by Searchlight, it looks like an A24 production.
Visual Effects are mix between Practical and Computer-Generated Imagery. I’m shocked a $35 million budget movie has better effects than that piece of crud, “The Marvels.” Heck, “Godzilla Minus One” has Class A effects under $15 million.
Prosthetic Makeup transformed Willem’s face into a burlap mask.
Pacing didn’t bore me throughout. My eyes were glued to the screen. Way more entertaining than “Napoleon.”
Costume Designs and Set Pieces reflect the Victorian Era.
Cinematography captures beautiful imagery of a steampunk atmosphere. Makes me wanna replay “Dishonored” 1-2. Fisheye Leneses often shows a distorted view. Like “Oppenheimer,” Poor Things is shot in color and black & white.
Yorgos mentioned the film’s influenced by “Dracula” 1992 & “Young Frankenstein.”
Character Development involving Bella. As the film progresses, her intelligence grows allowing her to become smarter. Thank goodness she didn’t become a bossy know-it-all who thinks she’s smarter than a man. It’s a stereotype and it’s offensive.
Primary Themes are Self-Discovery, Sexuality & Identity. Each one’s handled carefully.
A Plot Twist changes everything. I can’t give anything away. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Dumb: I couldn’t find nothing wrong.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Poor Things is an absurd yet unique steampunk dramedy. I really enjoyed it. I see this as a film of the year contender. If you have nothing else after Christmas, go out and support this modern classic. Definitely worth your money and spare time. I’m gonna predict it’s gonna be nominated at the 96h Academy Awards and the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 