Poor Things (2023)
A Wild and Unfiltered Feminine Perspective
Watched 18 Jan 2024
A unique tribute to the Frankenstein tale, told from a wild and unfiltered feminine perspective. Striking and colorful storybook visuals enhance the enjoyment and accentuate the first-time experiences of the lead character Bella, played with joyous abandonment by Emma Stone.
🎬 Production & Cast
Striking and colorful storybook visuals enhance the enjoyment and accentuate the first-time experiences of the lead character.
Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, and Ramy Youssef portray different characters that influence and shape her growing views of life. There is some humor in the early "fish out of water" aspect of the story, but it eventually gives way to the annoying and predictable naivety of Bella as she encounters the cruelties and challenges of real life. This is followed by the inevitable world-weariness and, finally, seasoned intelligence of life experience.
✅ Pros
- Emma Stone's fearless, joyous lead performance.
- Breathtaking and colorful production design.
- Exceptional work from the supporting cast.
❌ Cons
- Naivety of the character can feel repetitive.
- Lengthy runtime may feel predictable by the end.
The film is a surprisingly straightforward story from Yorgos Lanthimos, who is known for telling off-beat, non-traditional tales. The unconventional elements here are largely limited to the liberal, explicit sexuality and nudity throughout the film.
Thematic Divide
The enjoyment of the film will likely depend on the audience member's political view. Some may find the feminist themes annoying or preachy, while others might find it refreshing and inspiring. What is undebatable is that all the performers and artists are operating at the top of their game, making the film worthy of awards season consideration.
Visually arresting and fearlessly performed, Poor Things is a masterclass in production design, even if its narrative trajectory feels a bit predictable by the third act.
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