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Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Genre is Comedy/ Fantasy
Duration is 2hrs 21min
Written by H.E. Smale
I finally watched one of the biggest films of the year 'Poor Things' (based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Alasdair Gray), and overall I loved this film.
The story follows a young woman named Bella Baxter who we learn has been reanimated by scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) through an unorthodox experiment. As she grows, Bella becomes ever more curious about the world she has yet to experience outside her and Godwin's home. When a young and ambitious lawyer by the name of Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) presents her with an opportunity for adventure, she wastes no time in setting off on her new and exciting journey of exploration.
But what will she think when she learns the realities of the world she lives in?
Not only is it a stunning piece of cinema, but the story feels fresh and exhilarating, mashing together ideas not unfamiliar to us, and combining them into something truly one of a kind, with a headstrong protagonist you can route for the entire way through.
Yes, there are some questionable moments (I never knew an apple could be used in THAT way!) but the context behind their place in the story makes them easier to digest and understand, and ultimately gives them a comedic effect once the initial shock has worn off.
One of the initial elements of the story that intrigued me was this take on a Frankenstien-esc plot and the creator-and-creation relationship between Bella Baxter and Dr. Godwin. I loved how Godwin (or 'God' as Bella refers to him) became a father figure to Bella as opposed to solely a master who brought her to life.
Their relationship feels genuine and grows so well.
Initially, he keeps her away from the world outside their home and sees her in a more logistical sense as a being to be watched and studied. But over time you can see the love and care developing.
Instead of keeping her concealed, he encourages her to explore the world and discover who she is as a person.
It was very refreshing to see, especially since Bella does encounter men who aren't concerned with her personal feelings and aspirations.
This brings me nicely to the next point: Bella's development.
I loved Bella and her evolution as a character via her exploration of the world around her and doing certain things purely because they bring her fascination, joy and pleasure (in more ways than one). Whether that's squashing a frog when she sees one for the first time (because why not?), or dancing around a restaurant as if no one is watching despite all eyes being very much on her.
Her bluntness in nature and lack of understanding of social cues is comical and admirable. She may not always comprehend what is happening around her, but that doesn't stop her from acting on instinct.
Now, in terms of her sexual explorations, some people I have talked to have expressed how they felt uncomfortable with these scenes because the whole point is that she has the mind of a child in her adult body.
I personally was able to put that aside because very quickly I stopped seeing her in a state of adolescence. Instead of resembling a child, I saw her as someone who was experiencing the world around them for the first time and occasionally acting childish in terms of emotional outbursts or curiosity.
I found the scenes comical mainly because of her personality. Again, she is blunt and is doing these actions because, simply put, she realises they make her feel good, so she does it more.
This aspect does however become more complex as the film progresses, and she moves into the world of sex work. But at the same time, she is maturing and continuing to learn, so the impact of these scenes changes.
One of my biggest praises for this film is the cinematography and design.
This film was stunning to watch.
The richness in colours and details in the flamboyant costumes and background settings was mesmerizing. Every shot from this film could be hung on a wall as part of an art exhibition. It was gorgeous.
Ultimately my only setback with this film was at times the slightly jarring camera angles - in particular, the fish eye. The whole film is wacky and outlandish but shots like that went a step too far and removed me, I felt, from being able to properly immerse myself.
Overall this is an amazing film that I highly recommend you go and watch. Though be weary of who you choose to watch it with (probably not one for the grandparents)
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