The film 'Poor Things', directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, has been described as a cinematic fable of self-discovery, combining elements of Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Marquis de Sade, and Frankenstein. The film is based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray and presents a clear rhetorical agenda, exploring themes of sexual liberation, control, and self-actualization.
The film follows the story of Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman played by Emma Stone, who undergoes a mother-daughter cranial transplant, resulting in a mismatched body and brain. This sets the stage for Bella's journey of self-discovery and liberation, set against a backdrop of absurdity and eroticism. The film is visually stunning, with a futuristic, candy-colored vision of the 19th century, serving as a reminder that special-effects trickery and photographic whimsy can enhance a story rather than overshadow it.
Emma Stone's performance has been praised for its doll-like quality and her ability to bring humor to the dark story. Her physicality and depth brought to the character have been commended, creating a singular and unfiltered expression of Bella's consciousness. The supporting cast, including Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo, is also commended.
While some view the film as feminist, others see it as a superficial girlboss narrative. The film's allegory of Victorian femininity and the control exerted by men is evident throughout. The film is rated R for gore, disturbing material, graphic nudity, language, and strong sexual content. It will be released in theaters on December 8, 2023.
