The Telluride Film Festival recently showcased Yorgos Lanthimos‘ sci-fi dramedy, “Poor Things,” and the buzz surrounding the film suggests that it might just be a strong contender for this year’s Best Picture at the Oscars.
Set against the backdrop of a remote Swiss region during the Cold War, the film is an audacious, Frankenstein-esque tale based on Alasdair Gray’s novel. It follows the journey of Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone), who is brought back to life by the scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Bella embarks on an exploration of the world, falling for a charming lawyer, Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), and seeking sexual liberation and equality.
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Emma Stone, a previous Best Actress winner for “La La Land,” delivers a compelling performance that could earn her a second Oscar. Her popularity among her peers and her previous nominations make her a strong contender. Stone also serves as a producer on the film, adding to her impressive involvement.
Mark Ruffalo, known for his roles in the MCU, delivers a downright hilarious performance in “Poor Things,” with memorable one-liners that could make him a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor category. Ruffalo has been nominated multiple times but has yet to secure a win. This film could be the one to change that.
Willem Dafoe, a revered character actor with several nominations under his belt, also delivers standout moments in the film. Depending on how the Academy responds to the movie, he could find himself in contention for Best Supporting Actor.
Yorgos Lanthimos, a polarizing filmmaker known for his unique style, has received Oscar nominations for his previous works. “Poor Things” is his most confident vision yet, and the Directors Branch of the Academy may want to recognize his exceptional storytelling.
The film boasts a talented team of artisans, including Robbie Ryan for cinematography, Yorgos Mavropsaridis for editing, Holly Waddington for costumes, and Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek in production design. These skilled individuals are likely to be part of the awards conversation.
The screenplay, penned by Tony McNamara, creates a unique language for the film, making it a potential winner for Adapted Screenplay.
However, “Poor Things” is a hyper-sexualized and graphic film that may challenge the sensibilities of industry voters. Despite this, its reception at Telluride suggests it could perform well in a preferential ballot voting system.
As the year progresses, “Poor Things” stands out as a compelling contender in the Oscar race, promising an exciting and competitive awards season.