Yorgos Lanthimos (the favourite, the lobster) mesmerises audiences once again with Poor Things, a whimsical yet profound tale that defies expectations and embraces the surreal. It tells the story of Bella Baxter, who is brought to life with grace and depth by the incomparable Emma Stone. As we journey into the world of Poor Things, we’re introduced to Dr. Baxter, played by Willem Defoe, and his assistant Max McCandles, played by Ramy Youssef, whose forays into the realm of bizarre experiments lead to the resurrection of Bella, who tragically ended her life by leaping off a bridge. Dr. Baxter’s unorthodox method involves replacing Bella’s brain with that of her fetus, resulting in a peculiar twist of fate: a woman with the mind of an infant, which thrusts viewers into a whirlwind of moral and ethical quandaries, adding layers of complexity to an already intriguing narrative. 

Eventually running off with debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn played by Mark Ruffalo, Bella embarks on a wild journey across the globe, embracing her self discovery and sexual awakening. Stone’s portrayal of Bella is nothing short of mesmerising, capturing the character’s innocence and eventual empowerment with remarkable nuance. And of course, with a supporting cast like Willem Defoe and Mark Ruffalo, the film is elevated to a whole new level of cinematic brilliance, their performances adding a layer of depth and dimension. 

Lanthimos’ expert direction weaves the whimsical throughout every frame, imbuing each scene with a concoction of charm, and with the set design reminiscent of steampunk aesthetics, audiences are transported to a realm that feels both familiar yet subtly detached from our own physical reality. Truly a feast for the senses Lanthimos invites audiences to lose themselves in enchantment with his world building.

Equal parts fairy tale, allegory, and social commentary, Poor Things stands as a testament to the boundless imagination of its creators, highly recommended.

available now in all fopp stores on dvd and blu-ray!