Movie review for 'Poor Things', a whimsical character led adventure.

The Oscar nominated film Poor Things is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and stars Emma Stone with support from Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef and Mark Ruffalo. Stone stars as Bella Baxter, a young woman who after facing death is reanimated by an unconventional scientist (Dafoe). Based on the novel of the same name, Poor Things follows Bella’s journey as she relearns the world around her, for better or for worse.

First Impression

Ogres are like onions, and so are Yorgos Lanthimos films. The film’s acting, cinematography and themes added layer upon layer to be pulled back and explored.  So much so that multiple areas aren’t explored after a single viewing.

Poor Things is filled with multifaceted characters. Dafoe’s performance as the Frankenstein inspired Dr. Godwin Baxter was memorable, and Ruffalo’s portrayal of loveable oaf Duncan Wedderburn (said in Bella’s accent) displayed great comedic timing. None the less, it was Emma Stone who ran away with each and every scene. Due to the nature of Bella’s condition, Stone found herself acting through multiple phases of life. She portrayed the unhinged, and spastic nature of a toddler with comedic tenacity. When Bella experienced her sexual awakening, Stone approached the role with curiosity into mastery. Finally, the third act of the film, gave us a much more mature Bella. During each phase of Bella’s life, it was as if watching three actresses of different ages, it was only successful due to minor personality quips snuck in.  Leaving herself, mentally, emotionally and physically exposed, her performance is well deserved of its Oscar nomination for best actress.

When looking back on the film’s cinematography, the first act of the film could be under appreciated. The black and white portion of the film, along with the musical score helped create an unsettling feel. It also paid homage to old school monster movies, like once again, Frankenstein's monster. It isn’t until the film transitions into color that on the first watch, you begin to appreciate the set pieces and landscaping. Literally with the flip of a coin, the world of Poor Things goes from an unsettling world to one of whimsy and wonder.

The character designs should also be mentioned, with Dafoe being almost unrecognizable under prosthetics. Bella’s wardrobe choices were also perfect, with her style seeming to mirror her developing personality. A small choice that made her more human than fictional character.

A first impression idea of the film's theme could be interpreted as society's need to influence one's character. This idea is supported by the fact that throughout her development, multiple characters try to tell Bella the ways she should behave or even the things she should believe. 

The idea is further supported by Dr Godwin Baxter's nickname God. As Bella's creator, he is the driving force behind her initial beliefs. Words spoken from his own mouth supports this idea, when he refers to Bella as a creature of free will, and how he is merely observing her [and her choices]. Allowing her to break away from his belief system and explore self, could be what was symbolized by the films transition from black and white to color.

Dr. Godwin Baxter, states multiple times through the film run the experiments he underwent by way of another individual. This showcased him as a faulty "god", falling victim to the films theme. 

As the film progresses it seems as though Bella will succeed in forging her own path, but at the pinnacle it's hard to decide if her choice is that of her own or if she is victim of her upbringing. Is it wrong or is it just human?

Movie review for Poor Things ...it was a spectacle of a watch. A fun and whimsical character driven thrill.

Currently streaming on Hulu