Poor Things

One of the standout films of 2023, Poor Things will transport you into an unexpectedly whimsical world where morality, science, and the human condition converge through a darkly comedic story.

It’s the story of Bella (Stone), the product of science experiments who was implanted with the brain of the child she was carrying at the time of her death. She is brought back to life through the unorthodox experiments of an anatomist, Dr. Godwin Baxter (Dafoe), who transforms her from an infant into a studious, mature woman. Himself a victim of similar experiments, the scientist bears a striking resemblance to Frankenstein’s monster, and he shares a deep sympathy with his own recreation, Bella, hoping to give her the love and attention he was denied.

Stone effortlessly navigates the complexities of her character, infusing Bella with a blend of innocence, cunning, and vulnerability. As a father figure, Dr. Baxter initially appears as a monstrously arrogant scientist, at least before his physical and emotional scars are revealed, belying a deeper desire to love. Bella’s presence brings out a more tender side of Baxter, and Dafoe’s performance draws the audience into the character, inspiring our emotional investment.

One of the central themes of the film revolves around the ethical implications of resurrecting the dead. Baxter’s scientific pursuits raise profound questions about the boundaries between life and death and the consequences of meddling with the natural order of things.

But the real brilliance of the film shines through its artistic direction, with scenes rendered in black and white, a nod to the original Frankenstein film that also serves to immerse us into the perspective of a young Bella, whose initial mental development is that of an infant.

The production design, costumes, cinematography, and music composition work in a symphony to transport us to a stylish 19th-century world, and contrasts between the picturesque landscapes and the film’s darker themes enhance the visual appeal. As Bella embarks on her journey of discovery, the transition from black and white to color is a treat, as we experience her newfound awareness of the world.

Accompanying her on her journey is Duncan, and here Ruffalo delivers another standout performance, fully inhabiting the role of a charming, eccentric lawyer who opens up a world of romance, desire, and exotic cuisine. Duncan is larger than life, and he epitomizes an exaggerated form of toxic masculinity. Yet its the dynamic between Bella and Duncan that delivers some of the film’s most comical moments, a few that will have you laughing out of your seat.

The film’s music composition also deserves praise. It evolves from a slow, unorthodox score to more polished and harmonious tunes as Bella matures and gains knowledge about the world around her.

As for the issues some viewers might have, there’s explicit sexual content that, while relevant to Bella’s transformation, might leave some feeling that a more subtle approach could have been just as effective. The pacing can also be deliberate at time. It allows for an immersion into this world, but some viewers may find themselves wishing for a more brisk tempo.

Yet in the end, Poor Things is one of those rare cinematic experiences that surprises and entertains as it challenges you, and with Emma Stone’s exceptional performance and a stellar supporting cast, it delivers a world that is both beguiling and thought-provoking.