Poor Things: Emma Stone stars in new hilarious and heartwarming film
Emma Stone stars as Bella Baxter, a young woman who is resurrected by a scientist after committing suicide.
She embarks on a wild journey of self-discovery and sexual liberation with a debauched lawyer, played by Mark Ruffalo. The film is based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Alasdair Gray, and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who previously collaborated with Stone on The Favourite (2018).
The film is a black comedy fantasy that explores themes of identity, morality, and freedom in a whimsical and absurd way. Lanthimos creates a vivid and colorful world that contrasts with the bleakness of Bella’s past. He also employs his trademark style of dialogue, which is witty, sharp, and sometimes nonsensical. The film is full of memorable scenes and characters, such as the singing woman in Lisbon, the doorman Carminho, and the fado singing woman Angela Paula Stander.
Stone delivers a stunning performance as Bella, who undergoes a remarkable transformation from a naive and timid girl to a confident and adventurous woman. She portrays Bella’s curiosity, intelligence, humor, and courage with charm and grace. She also has great chemistry with Ruffalo, who plays her lover Duncan Wedderburn. Ruffalo adds some comic relief to the film with his sarcastic remarks and outrageous antics.
The film also features an impressive cast of supporting actors, including Willem Dafoe as Dr. Godwin Baxter, Bella’s guardian scientist; Ramy Youssef as Max McCandles, Duncan’s friend; Christopher Abbott as Alfie Blessington, Duncan’s rival; Jerrod Carmichael as Harry Astley, Duncan’s boss; Margaret Qualley as Felicity, Duncan’s girlfriend; Kathryn Hunter as Madame Swiney, an eccentric fortune teller; Suzy Bemba as Toinette, Bella’s maid; Hanna Schygulla as Martha Von Kurtzroc, an aristocratic lady; and many more.
Poor Things premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1st 20231, where it won the Golden Lion2. The film received positive reviews from critics3, who praised its originality, creativity, humor, and performances. It was also named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review. The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 8th 2023, by Searchlight Pictures.
Poor Things is a film that will make you laugh out loud one moment and cry tears of joy another. It is a film that celebrates life in all its beauty and complexity. It is a film that will stay with you long after you watch it.
