Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a debauched lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows stea...
Greek “Weird Wave” director Yorgos Lanthimos has a reputation for his vigorous attraction to stories that embrace the most taboo elements of society, and “Poor Things” is one of the best in his unabashedly weird, dystopian filmography. In his latest, the director has created a feminist Frankenstein film that’s smart, witty, and packed with an awkward charm that delivers a strong pro-woman message with a deliciously off-kilter streak.
Unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baker (Willem Dafoe) is in awe of his latest creation Bella (Emma Stone, in a gutsy, physical, and demanding role), a young woman who has been reanimated in his laboratory. She has the mind of a child, but is maturing rapidly. As her new brain develops, it becomes clear that Bella is far more than just another experiment. Eager to learn more about the world, Bella runs off with the debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) for a whirlwind adventure across the globe. This leads to a series of eye-opening experiences that truly turn Bella into her own woman.
It’s a great idea for a story, especially as Frankenstein’s monster is reimagined as a sexually-charged being. The film is graphic, explicit, and not for the faint of heart. Bella’s frank and unfiltered comments are often as hysterical as they are based in truth, and the character’s unique perspective lends an eye-opening view of the world. Free from shame, it’s refreshing to see a young woman set off with a wealth of curiosity and compassion in her quest for exploration, especially when her mission is equality and liberation. It’s not that Bella is free from the misogynistic gender constructs of the world, she is just blissfully unaware.
There is a lot to unpack here, including rousing themes of feminism, sexual freedom, and admiration from the worldliness one can only gain from personal experience. As Bella evolves, she goes from a tantrum-throwing toddler to a young and uninhibited woman who gives into her most basic, primal desires with glee and a wild abandon. She learns right from wrong when it comes to things like the proper use of violence, the concept of consent, and how to behave like a lady in public. It’s quite funny, but also sincere as she grows as a person. Bella becomes a woman with agency who has total and complete control over her own decisions and body. In the process, she also develops empathy and learns about kindness and true intimacy.
“Poor Things” is a creative fantasy that’s flush with timely themes and plenty of material that is certain to spark controversy and intellectual discussion. It’s inventive and eccentric and one of the most notable films of the year.
