Poor Things Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mad scientist brings a reanimated woman to life, and she goes on a bizarre, sex-positive grand tour of self-discovery, leaving a trail of bewildered men in her wake.

🍿 Poor Things: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Peculiar Resurrection and Naive Beginnings

The film introduces Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the eccentric and brilliant scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter, known affectionately as ‘God’. Bella, with the brain of a child but the body of an adult, rapidly develops her motor skills and intellect under God’s watchful eye in his peculiar London home. She is initially observed by Max McCandles, God’s earnest medical student, who falls deeply in love with Bella as she learns about the world through an unfiltered lens.

An Escape into the World

Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to experience life beyond God’s controlled environment, Bella elopes with Duncan Wedderburn, a flamboyant and dissolute lawyer. Their journey takes them across Europe, beginning in Lisbon, where Bella embraces her burgeoning sexuality and experiences pleasure and pain for the first time. Her interactions are marked by a complete lack of social inhibition, leading to both comic and shocking encounters.

Awakening to Social Realities

As Bella and Duncan continue their travels through Alexandria and Paris, Bella’s intellectual growth accelerates. She encounters poverty, suffering, and the complexities of human nature, prompting her to question the world’s injustices. She begins to read extensively and develops a keen interest in philosophy and societal structures. Her experiences lead to a disillusionment with Duncan, who struggles to control her evolving autonomy, as she rapidly outgrows his shallow understanding of life.

Return to London and Unraveling the Past

Bella eventually returns to London, having gained significant self-awareness and a firm grasp on her own desires and intellect. She reconnects with Max and prepares to marry him, intending to pursue a career in medicine, inspired by God. However, just before the wedding, her past abruptly catches up with her, leading to a shocking revelation about her previous identity and the circumstances of her original death.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bella Baxter (Emma Stone): A young woman brought back to life by an eccentric scientist, embarking on a fantastical journey of self-discovery and liberation.
• Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe): An brilliant yet disfigured surgeon who revives Bella and serves as her unconventional creator and father figure.
• Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo): A charming and dissolute lawyer who elopes with Bella, attempting to control her burgeoning independence.
• Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef): Dr. Baxter’s earnest medical student assistant who falls deeply in love with Bella and seeks to provide her with a stable life.
• Martha Von Kurtzroc (Vicki Pepperdine): Dr. Baxter’s compassionate and steadfast housekeeper, who helps manage the peculiar household and cares for Bella.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bella: “I find myself hungry all the time, not just for food, but for knowledge, for experience.” – Said by Bella as she begins to articulate her insatiable curiosity and desire to understand the world beyond physical needs, marking her intellectual awakening.
• Bella: “I am a project. I am an experiment.” – A frank, early self-assessment reflecting her unique origin and the circumstances of her existence under Godwin Baxter’s creation.
• Godwin Baxter: “We shall release her on the world. What chaos she will wreak.” – Godwin states this with a mix of pride and apprehension, acknowledging Bella’s unpredictable nature and the profound impact she is destined to have on others.
• Bella: “I must explore the world, Duncan. I must see everything.” – Declared with fierce determination to Duncan Wedderburn, expressing her urgent need for freedom, personal growth, and discovery beyond the confines of her initial life.
• Bella: “I am becoming who I am.” – A profound statement of self-actualization towards the film’s end, signifying her complete and independent identity achieved through her unique journey and experiences.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35 million
• Domestic Gross: $34.5 million
• Worldwide Gross: $117.6 million

💥 Poor Things Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Poor Things’! It was such a unique and visually stunning experience from start to finish. I was completely captivated by Bella’s journey of self-discovery, watching her evolve and challenge every societal norm was just brilliant. Emma Stone’s performance was truly unforgettable; she brought so much life and nuance to Bella, making her both hilarious and deeply moving. The sheer audacity of the film, from its incredible production design to its unbridled exploration of desire and freedom, left me feeling completely exhilarated and inspired.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Yorgos Lanthimos’s previous works (e.g., ‘The Favourite’, ‘The Lobster’)”
  • “Viewers who appreciate surrealist, darkly comedic, and avant-garde cinema”
  • “Those interested in feminist themes and stories of female empowerment”
  • “Audiences seeking visually striking and aesthetically unique films”
  • “Enthusiasts of philosophical explorations of identity, freedom, and human nature”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Explicit sexual content and graphic nudity”
  • “Body horror and grotesque imagery”
  • “Disturbing and mature themes (e.g., death, prostitution, existentialism)”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Implied or depicted animal cruelty”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Yorgos Lanthimos’s ‘Poor Things’ is a dazzling, audacious masterpiece. Emma Stone delivers a career-best performance as Bella, navigating a world of grotesque beauty and profound discovery. It’s a wildly inventive ride that’s both hilarious and deeply thought-provoking, pushing boundaries with glorious abandon.
• Variety: “This film is a visually extravagant and wickedly funny take on self-liberation. Lanthimos crafts a distinctive, surreal world, perfectly matched by Emma Stone’s fearless portrayal of Bella’s awakening. It’s a bizarre, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable cinematic experience that will spark conversation long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

Emma Stone’s fearless and transformative performance as Bella Baxter was a consistent highlight for many viewers.: The film’s stunning, bizarre visuals, dark humor, and its unique, empowering take on female liberation and societal norms were widely appreciated by audiences.

Overall Consensus: Poor Things is widely celebrated as a visually stunning, darkly humorous, and intellectually stimulating film, with Emma Stone’s performance frequently cited as a standout, marking it as a bold and unforgettable cinematic achievement.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 2024
2. Academy Award (Best Production Design)- 2024
3. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 2024
4. Academy Award (Best Makeup and Hairstyling)- 2024
5. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 2024
6. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 2024
7. British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) (Outstanding British Film)- 2024
8. British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) (Leading Actress)- 2024
9. British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) (Production Design)- 2024
10. British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) (Costume Design)- 2024
11. British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) (Make Up & Hair)- 2024
12. British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) (Special Visual Effects)- 2024
13. British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) (Casting)- 2024
14. Venice Film Festival (Golden Lion (Best Film))- 2023

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Yorgos Lanthimos made the cast engage in unique rehearsal exercises for weeks, including living together, performing mundane tasks while repeating lines rapidly, or holding unusual poses, to foster a distinct group dynamic and break down inhibitions, influencing the film’s unconventional performances.”
• “The film heavily relied on practical effects, miniatures, and elaborate physical sets for its fantastical world-building, rather than extensive green screen, to create a tangible and immersive environment.”
• “Emma Stone was deeply involved in the project beyond her acting role; she also served as a producer on the film, showcasing her commitment to Lanthimos’s vision.”
• “The distinctive shift from black-and-white cinematography to vibrant color is not just symbolic of Bella’s expanding world and understanding but also a technical choice: the monochrome scenes were shot on 35mm film, while the color portions were captured digitally, contributing to their unique visual textures.”

🖥️ How to Watch Poor Things?

As of early 2024, *Poor Things* is available for streaming on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ in select international territories where Star content is offered. For those looking to rent or purchase digitally, the film can be found on major platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Physical media enthusiasts can also acquire *Poor Things* on Blu-ray and DVD for a comprehensive viewing experience.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Poor Things, you might like these similar films:

• The Lobster (2015): Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, it shares the same signature deadpan humor, absurdist premise, and critique of societal norms through highly stylized performances and a unique, unsettling atmosphere.
• The Shape of Water (2017): A visually distinct, fantastical romance that explores themes of ‘otherness,’ finding connection outside societal norms, and bold artistic vision, reminiscent of ‘Poor Things” unique aesthetic and emotional core.
• Edward Scissorhands (1990): Features a unique, artificially created being learning to navigate and understand the complexities of the human world, blending dark fairytale elements with quirky humor and emotional depth.
• Brazil (1985): Terry Gilliam’s dystopian satire is a masterclass in surreal, visually inventive filmmaking, filled with dark humor and a critique of bureaucratic absurdity, echoing the unique world-building and satirical edge of ‘Poor Things’.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994): A direct exploration of the Frankenstein mythos, delving into the creation of life, the nature of humanity, and the moral responsibilities of a creator, providing a more traditional, gothic parallel to Bella’s origin story.
• Amelie (2001): While much lighter in tone, it features a uniquely whimsical female protagonist with an idiosyncratic view of the world, navigating quirky characters and finding her place, offering a different take on an ‘unusual’ woman’s journey.

🛒 Poor Things Related Products

• Poor Things 4K UHD + Blu-ray Collector’s Edition: This premium edition includes the film in stunning 4K resolution, capturing every detail of its unique visual aesthetic. It comes with exclusive bonus features like behind-the-scenes documentaries, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes, offering a deeper dive into the film’s creation.
• The Art and Making of Poor Things Official Book: A richly illustrated hardcover book detailing the film’s extraordinary production design, costumes, and visual effects. Features concept art, storyboards, costume sketches, and interviews with director Yorgos Lanthimos and the creative team.
• Poor Things Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Jerskin Fendrix (Vinyl LP): The complete, evocative score by Jerskin Fendrix on high-quality vinyl. The soundtrack brilliantly blends classical, experimental, and whimsical elements, perfectly complementing the film’s anachronistic and fantastical tone.
• Bella Baxter’s “Voyage of Discovery” Journal & Pen Set: A beautifully crafted, vintage-style journal inspired by Bella’s journey and her insatiable curiosity, paired with an elegant quill-like pen. The journal features subtle design elements reflecting the film’s aesthetic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Poor Things features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bella” – performed by Jerskin Fendrix
• “Wee” – performed by Jerskin Fendrix
• “Victoria” – performed by Jerskin Fendrix
• “Portuguese Dance” – performed by Jerskin Fendrix
• “Alfie” – performed by Jerskin Fendrix

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Emma Stone Wins Best Actress for ‘Poor Things’ | 96th Oscars (2024)

Ever wonder what it’s like to win an Oscar for a truly unique role? Watch Emma Stone’s emotional acceptance speech for ‘Poor Things’ and celebrate this fantastic movie’s well-deserved recognition!

Emma Stone on her approach to ‘Poor Things’ character Bella

How did Emma Stone bring Bella Baxter’s incredible journey to life? Get a direct peek into her mind as she discusses her approach to one of the most fascinating characters on screen.

Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo & Director Yorgos Lanthimos Break Down ‘Poor Things’ Scenes | Vanity Fair

Want to peel back the layers of ‘Poor Things’ cinematic genius? Join the director and stars as they brilliantly dissect some of the movie’s most iconic scenes, revealing the magic behind the madness!

The SYMBOLISM, MEANING, and BEAUTY of Poor Things Explained | Non-Spoiler Analysis

Did you catch all the hidden meanings and stunning artistry in ‘Poor Things’? This fantastic non-spoiler analysis dives deep into the film’s symbolism, helping you appreciate its beauty and brilliance even more.

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