“Poor Things”, released in 2023 and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos with a screenplay by Tony McNamara, is an adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel. The film, a collaboration between Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, features a cast including Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael. It tells the story of Bella Baxter, a woman with the mind of a fetus in Victorian London, who undergoes a brain transplant after her mother’s suicide and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Filming primarily took place in Hungary from August to December 2021. Poor Things made its debut at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023, where it received the prestigious Golden Lion award. The movie hit theaters in the U.S. on December 8, 2023, and in the U.K. and Ireland on January 12, 2024, distributed by Searchlight Pictures. With a budget of $35 million, it earned $117 million worldwide. Critically acclaimed, Poor Things earned a place among the top ten films of 2023 according to the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. It garnered multiple awards, including four wins at the 96th Academy Awards, two at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, and five at the 77th British Academy Film Awards. Emma Stone received the Best Actress award at each of these prestigious ceremonies.”
CHARACTERS
- Emma Stone portrays Bella Baxter.
- Mark Ruffalo plays Duncan Wedderburn.
- Willem Dafoe takes on the role of Dr. Godwin Baxter.
- Ramy Youssef stars as Max McCandles.
- Christopher Abbott depicts Alfie Blessington.
- Suzy Bemba appears as Toinette.
- Jerrod Carmichael portrays Harry Astley.
- Kathryn Hunter embodies Swiney.
- Vicki Pepperdine plays Mrs. Prim.
- Margaret Qualley portrays Felicity.
- Hanna Schygulla appears as Martha von Kurtzroc.
- Keeley Forsyth takes on the role of Allison, the maid.
- John Locke depicts David, the butler.
- Kate Handford appears as Kitty.
- Owen Good portrays Gerald.
- Damien Bonnard depicts the Father.
- Tom Stourton plays the Steward.
- Raphaël Thiéry appears as Saveur, the butcher.
- Wayne Brett takes on the role of the Priest.
- Carminho portrays the Fado singing woman.
- Jerskin Fendrix appears as the Lisbon restaurant musician.
STORYLINE
In the year 2024, “Poor Things” transports audiences to a futuristic society where scientific breakthroughs blur the lines between life and death. Set in a sprawling metropolis reminiscent of Victorian London, the narrative centers around Max McCandles, a gifted yet disillusioned medical student, and Godwin Baxter, a daring surgeon known for his controversial practices. Max, disenchanted with the traditional medical ethos, becomes Godwin’s apprentice, drawn to the surgeon’s unconventional methods. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they encounter Bella, a young woman harboring the consciousness of another.
Bella, a product of Godwin’s radical experiments, possesses a remarkable intellect and an innate curiosity for the world beyond the confines of the laboratory. As Bella’s consciousness evolves, she forges a deep connection with Max, sparking a rebellion against the forces that seek to control her fate. Together, Bella, Max, and Godwin navigate a perilous landscape fraught with deceit and moral ambiguity, encountering a diverse cast of characters along the way.
As Bella’s journey unfolds, she grapples with fundamental questions of identity and freedom, ultimately challenging the very fabric of society. “Poor Things” offers a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the quest for autonomy in a world governed by scientific advancement. With breathtaking visuals and powerful performances, the film invites viewers to contemplate the ethical implications of technology and the essence of humanity.
