Film Review #111: POOR THINGS

Film Review #111: POOR THINGS

*This film review may contain plot spoilers, reader discretion is advised.*



Film still from Poor Things

Director Yorgos Lanthimos’ works are best described as an exploration of the dark side of human nature. If you are familiar with his past works like Lobster (2015) or The Killing of a Scared Deer (2017), you would expect nothing short of absurdity from his latest feature, Poor Things. 

The film is a sexually liberating, ingenious cinematic feast featuring the best performance by Emma Stone yet. Receiving a total of 11 nominations for the Academy Awards, Poor Things set itself as the second-most nominated film this year behind Oppenheimer. Clinching Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and of course Emma Stone won Best Actress for the 2024 Oscars..

Film still from Poor Things

We follow Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, into this almost neo-surreal imaginative world where she is reborn with the mind of her unborn daughter —  yes, you read that part right. Lanthimos brings us into this child-like state of discovering new things alongside Bella, just that the discoveries are just from the perspective of Bella. The incessant sex scenes of Bella, who has the mental capacity of a child to bear in mind, were very daring, to say the least. Though it’s been labelled as a sexual odyssey, the deeper issues addressed in the film captivated me deeper.

We explore humanity while living through the mind of a child but with the body of an adult. Having the contrast of a child-like adult navigating the world through suffering, fun, fear, sex, desire, and many more themes, it manages to bring out unique perspectives in the characters surrounding Bella. Poor Things tries to bring across this message of how a woman doesn't necessarily need a man to live their lives. Which, I think, was really beautifully captured. 

We have so many different men who try to control Bella’s life. Be it Duncan, Godwin or Alfie, they were all trying to control Bella’s life trajectory. With Bella gaining full independence and a refined attitude after her journey of seeing the “outside” world, it was very refreshing to see how one’s attitude can change with a different perspective. And, I think Poor Things captured that flawlessly.



Film still from Poor Things

Poor Things reminded me of why I want to tell stories in the first place. To share your stories and leave an impact on others watching your film, I think that is the essence of filmmaking. The film left me reflecting on my own life and how I should try to view things from many different, yet new perspectives.

This quote, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it”, by William Arthur Ward, summarises how I would describe this film. There is no ceiling to filmmaking, especially in terms of the production design and cinematography in Poor Things. We see over-saturated colours, film noir, ultra-wide fisheye shots, and futuristic vehicles all coming together like nerves in a functional brain. I admire Cinematographer Robbie Ryan for his eye for aesthetics and splendid execution in bringing the vision into a visual treat I experienced in the cinema.

Unfortunately, this disturbing yet brilliant film only had limited screenings at The Projector in Singapore. I do wish a lot more people would have a chance to see this film on the big screen. If you do have an opportunity to catch Poor Things, please do not miss it.