Poor Things Review

Poor Things has been the movie of the month when it comes to December as film lovers have been clamoring to watch this since it was announced. Yorgos Lanthimos is the director here and personally I’ve never seen any of his previous films but from what I’ve heard he has very unique and interesting style when it comes to his films. Not only is this film unique but it is visually stunning in a way unlike any other film I’ve seen before. 

This film takes place in the 19th century as we follow the main character Bella Baxter played by Emma Stone as she tries to discover her body and the meaning of life. Imagine Frankenstein but in a much more creative yet less surface level take to it all. Dr. Godwin Baxter played by Willem Dafoe is the one behind this experimentation who has a unique story and childhood for himself that has lead him to this. As Bella starts to understand her body by controlling her motor and cognitive skills at a rather fast pace Godwin turns to the likes of Max McCandles played by Remy Youssef to help keep watch and journal Bella on her overall progression. However Godwin unexpectedly brings lawyer Duncan Wedderburn played by Mark Ruffalo into Bella’s life as he entices her to run away with him in order to explore the world for her first time. 

Yorgos Lanthimos excels when it comes to his rather eccentric visuals as every single scene throughout the film is meticulously crafted. Teaming up with cinematographer Robbie Ryan’s Poor Things has a vast display of dynamic camera work featuring various lens that helps display the beauty of this film. With so much going on the film keeps the audiences eyes focused throughout making it hard to look away for even a second. Adding to this is the score done by Jerskin Fendrix making everything about this film is very whimsical yet deliberate. 

Emma Stone as Bella Baxter is as enchanting as ever in a new career best performance. Her comedic and dramatic abilities are on full display as she navigates through womanhood. From the start of the film her child like manners and movements are hilarious. However once she starts to mature she dives head first into her sexuality with precise speech and physicality. As for Ramy Youssef he is able to capture the more kind and eager spirit of his character Max McCandles. Along side him is Willem Dafoe who nails the quirky and endearing Dr. Godwin Baxter. Even though the amazing prosthetics and make up he has on throughout may make him look like a monster his endearing side really shines through when matches with the quirky dialogue and line delivers. Jerrod Carmichael, Margaret Qualley, and Christopher Abbott all get their individual moments to shine even if some are more than others in their supporting roles. Nonetheless Mark Ruffalo gives one of his most unforgettable performances yet as Duncan Wedderburn. Ruffalo holds nothing back as his character is clearly built on the foundation of patriarchy. He gets more than he bargained for when taking Bella to explore the world as he is soon challenged by the strong spirit of Bella. From the hilariously hammed up accent to perfectly necessary levels of camp, Ruffalo’s performance is truly remarkable. 

Overall Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things is a beautiful artistic expression of the tale of Bella Baxter a unique yet fierce woman who forges her own path in a world that does nothing but try to shape her. This story not only translates to the big screen in glorious fashion but also delivers a wildly entertaining story that will leave audiences shocked and astonished. 

Story: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Pacing: 9/10
Visuals: 10/10
Target Audience: 9/10
Resonate: 9/10
Entertainment and Emotional Value: 28/30

Overall Score: 94/100