Movie Review: ‘Poor Things’

This new movie from ‘The Favourite’ director Yorgos Lanthimos is typically peculiar and could be off-putting to some.

In theaters December 8th, ‘Poor Things’ is the latest slab of eccentricity from Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, who seems to attract applause and head-scratching in near equal measure.

The filmmaker has brought us the likes of odd family drama ‘Dogtooth’, offbeat romantic drama ‘The Lobster’, horror mystery ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ and, most recently, his Oscar-winning historical comedy drama ‘The Favourite’, which started his collaboration with actor Emma Stone.

She’s back for his latest, a skewed version of a ‘Frankenstein’-alike mad scientist story that goes to some very strange places but also has interesting things to say about female power and misogyny.

Does ‘Poor Things’ Offer Any Riches?

Ramy Youssef and Emma Stone in 'Poor Things.'

While the story of a woman reborn –– we won’t reveal exactly what is going on, as that is something audiences should discover if they haven’t been spoiled on the truth of the matter –– and its attendant learning-about-the-world tale is sure to turn some away, put off out by the uncanny visions on display.

But even if you’re initially disquieted by the movie, our advice is to stick with it, as –– much like its main character –– ‘Poor Things’ has a lot more to say as it develops.

‘Poor Things’: Script and Direction

Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone on the set of 'Poor Things.'

‘Poor Things’ sees Lanthimos working once again with ‘The Favourite’ scriptwriter Tony McNamara, who here adapts Alasdair Gray’s novel for the screen.

And as with ‘The Favourite’, it’s a combination that works –– while the new movie features some very different characters and ideas than their previous collaboration, the subversive use of grotesque personalities and power plays is still effective in a more fantastical setting.

McNamara weaves a compelling tale around Stone’s Bella but doesn’t let (most of) the other roles slide –– you can certainly see why actors, particularly those who like a challenge –– would flock to work with this writer/director team.

Lanthimos is always someone who weaves worlds around his characters, either with stark production design or, in the case of ‘Poor Things’ a riot of Victoriana that gives way to something more akin to Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s more fantastical films as Bella’s journey continues. It’s definitely a fictional world –– no one will accuse ‘Poor Things’ of existing in reality –– but that all helps make it work.

‘Poor Things’: Performances

Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo in 'Poor Things.'

There is no questioning Emma Stone’s commitment to the role of Bella Baxter, the young woman at the heart of the story. Stone has shown real willingness to stretch herself (partly in working with Lanthimos, where the result was a deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for ‘The Favourite) and she throws herself into the part with gusto and vulnerability that gives way to steely determination.

There isn’t too much room for nuance in playing Bella, but Stone digs some out, making you root for the character even though she can, at times early on, be tough to get a handle on her with her behavior. But she soon becomes someone you’re compelled to follow.

Willem Dafoe also does a lot with a role that offers a little less to grasp onto than Bella. As scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter, he’s Bella’s father figure, but an imposing, distant type for much of the running time –– it’s clear he loves her and wants to care for her but isn’t entirely sure how.

Mark Ruffalo, meanwhile, is having all manner of fun as the lascivious lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, and it’s infectious even as you loathe him for how he treats Bella when she grows past his influence.

Around the central figures is a fine ensemble of actors given smaller, but still vital roles –– Kathryn Hunter shows up late on as a madam at a brothel who becomes something of a strangely wise mentor to Bella, letting her know how things really work in the world. This might be an offbeat reality, but some truths shine through, such as dynamics between men and women in ‘Poor Things’ faux-historical setting.

There are one or two characters that don’t quite serve the actors as well –– Margaret Qualley, for example, is somewhat wasted in the thankless role of Felicity, who essentially serves as a cheap joke and could have been excised entirely without hurting the film.

‘Poor Things’: Final Thoughts

‘Poor Things’ is well worth your time if you’re willing to relax into its particularly unusual vibe and engage with Bella Baxter’s story. It’s not just weird for weirdness’ sake, every element carefully curated to serve the plot.

This is Yorgos Lanthimos at his most fantastical yet, but still maintaining the moral and ethical undercurrents that make his movies work beyond the strange surface trappings. It’ll certainly not be one to gather the family around at Christmas, but it’ll appeal to those who are after something distinctly different in their cinematic entertainment.

Boasting a standout performance from Emma Stone, and Mark Ruffalo as you’ve probably never seen him before –– even the Hulk would wonder about Wedderburn.

‘Poor Things’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Poor Things

"She's like nothing you've ever seen."

R2 hr 22 minSep 8th, 2023

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch Poor Things Online

What’s the story of ‘Poor Things’?

This is the story of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn.

Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.