Poor Things (2023)

Last updated:
October 29, 2024

Detailed Summary: A Frankenstein-esque Tale with a Twist

The Birth of Bella Baxter

Our story begins dramatically with Victoria Blessington, a pregnant woman, throwing herself off a bridge. However, Dr. Godwin Baxter, affectionately known as “God,” saves her by transplanting the brain of her unborn child into her body. Thus, Bella Baxter is born—a grown woman with the mind of an infant, setting the stage for a truly unique origin story.

Bella’s Rapid Evolution

Bella’s transformation from an infant-minded adult to a fully-grown woman is remarkable. She quickly learns to walk, talk, and think, akin to watching a time-lapse of human development but set against a Victorian backdrop.

The Great Escape

Enter Duncan Wedderburn, a dubious lawyer who whisks Bella away from Dr. Baxter’s watchful eyes. They embark on a whirlwind tour of Europe, where Bella discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of sex, food, and freedom. This segment is reminiscent of “Eat, Pray, Love,” but with a stronger emphasis on sexual awakening and personal exploration.

Bella’s Self-Discovery

As Bella travels from Lisbon to Alexandria, she becomes increasingly independent and self-aware. Leaving the unhinged Duncan, she starts working in a brothel, gaining a broader perspective on society and herself. Her experiences shape her into a complex, free-thinking individual who defies societal expectations.

Movie Ending: A Woman Reborn

The film concludes with Bella returning to London as a fully-formed individual with her own thoughts and desires. She rejects the possessive advances of both Dr. Baxter and her former husband, choosing instead to forge her own path. Bella decides to study law and advocate for women’s rights, embracing her unique perspective on life. The ending celebrates personal growth and autonomy.

Post-Credits Scene

“Poor Things” does not feature a post-credits scene. The conclusion of Bella’s story is definitive and leaves the audience with much to reflect upon.

Type of Movie

“Poor Things” is a genre-bending film that defies easy classification. It is part Gothic fantasy, part dark comedy, and part feminist bildungsroman. The film evokes a mix of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” with a visual style reminiscent of Tim Burton.

Cast

Emma Stone as Bella Baxter: Stone delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Bella’s evolution from childlike naivete to complex womanhood.
Willem Dafoe as Dr. Godwin Baxter: Dafoe brings intensity to the role of the brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist.
Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn: Ruffalo portrays the charismatic but increasingly unhinged lawyer with vigor.
Ramy Youssef as Max McCandles: Youssef provides a grounding presence as Dr. Baxter’s assistant and Bella’s friend.

Film Music and Composer

The haunting and whimsical score for “Poor Things” was composed by Jerskin Fendrix. This was Fendrix’s first major film score, and he skillfully captures the film’s blend of the grotesque and the beautiful, using a mix of eerie electronic sounds and traditional orchestral elements.

Filming Locations: A Visual Feast

“Poor Things” was primarily shot at Origo Studios in Budapest, Hungary. This location allowed the production team to create a fantastical, alternate version of Victorian-era Europe. Some exterior scenes were filmed on location in various parts of Europe, including Malta, adding a sense of authenticity to Bella’s journey.

Awards and Nominations: Critical Darling

“Poor Things” has received numerous accolades:

Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Best Actress for Emma Stone.
Venice Film Festival: Golden Lion.
BAFTA Awards: Multiple nominations, including Best Film and Best Actress.
Academy Awards: Numerous nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Emma Stone.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Emma Stone worked with a movement coach to perfect Bella’s early scenes, learning to walk and move like a newborn in an adult body.
The film’s unique visual style required extensive practical effects and elaborate set designs.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos encouraged improvisation on set, allowing actors to explore their characters.
The prosthetic makeup for Willem Dafoe’s character took hours to apply each day.
Costume designer Holly Waddington created over 500 unique costumes, bringing the film’s surreal vision of Victorian fashion to life.

Inspirations and References

“Poor Things” is based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same name but takes significant liberties with the source material. The film draws inspiration from:

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” exploring themes of scientific hubris and the nature of humanity.
George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” examining a woman’s education and societal expectations.
The works of Terry Gilliam and Tim Burton, with its fantastical, off-kilter visual style.
Feminist literature and philosophy, focusing on female autonomy and sexuality.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While there is no official information about alternate endings or major deleted scenes, director Yorgos Lanthimos is known for meticulous planning. The final film likely reflects his original vision closely. However, given the film’s runtime, some of Bella’s adventures may have been trimmed for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While based on Alasdair Gray’s novel, the film differs in several key areas:

The film focuses more intensely on Bella’s perspective and journey of self-discovery.
The movie amplifies the surreal and fantastical elements, creating a more visually striking world.
The film’s ending is more definitively empowering for Bella.
The movie expands on Bella’s sexual awakening and experiences.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Bella’s “birth”: Capturing the uncanny blend of an adult body and infant mind.
The dance scene: Bella’s joyous, uninhibited dancing in Lisbon.
Brothel revelations: Bella’s time in the Alexandria brothel, gaining new perspectives.
The confrontation: Bella asserting her independence in the final scene.

Iconic Quotes

Bella Baxter: “I am in control of my own self!”
Dr. Godwin Baxter: “She is a beautiful, elemental force of nature.”
Duncan Wedderburn: “You’ve ruined me! I’m addicted to you!”
Bella Baxter: “I am not your creation. I am my own.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The name “Godwin Baxter” nods to William Godwin, Mary Shelley’s father.
Dr. Baxter’s lab machines are inspired by real Victorian-era devices.
The film’s color palette shifts as Bella develops.
Background characters often have exaggerated features, enhancing the surreal atmosphere.

Trivia

Emma Stone served as both star and producer, her first time in a producing role.
The film’s visual style combines practical effects, set design, and minimal CGI.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone previously collaborated on “The Favourite.”
The film’s production was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite its Victorian setting, the film incorporates anachronistic elements.

Why Watch?

“Poor Things” is a must-watch for cinema lovers who appreciate boundary-pushing films. It is visually stunning, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally resonant, tackling themes of identity, freedom, and humanity. Emma Stone’s performance, combined with the film’s unique style and thought-provoking narrative, makes it a compelling experience.

Director’s Other Movies

Yorgos Lanthimos has made a name for himself with unique, often unsettling films:

Recommended Films for Fans

If you enjoyed “Poor Things,” consider watching these equally inventive films:

Brazil (1985) – Terry Gilliam’s surreal dystopian masterpiece.
Amélie (2001) – Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s whimsical Parisian fairy tale.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Charlie Kaufman’s mind-bending romance.
The Shape of Water (2017) – Guillermo del Toro’s fantastical love story.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020) – Charlie Kaufman’s surreal psychological drama.