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n Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things”, the audience is transported into a narrative that challenges conventional storytelling, based on the novel by Alasdair Gray. The film follows Bella Baxter, who is resurrected by an eccentric scientist and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and intellectual awakening. Bella’s adventures defy societal norms and expectations, leading her through a series of enlightening and often absurd encounters that redefine her understanding of life, love and autonomy.

At the centre of “Poor Things” is Emma Stone, who gives what can only be described as the best performance of her career. As Bella Baxter, Stone embodies a complex character with unparalleled depth and versatility. Her transformation from a childlike state of being to a polymathic, inquisitive intellectual showcases Stone’s extraordinary diversity and commitment to her craft. The role requires not only emotional depth but also a physicality and comedic timing that Stone masterfully manages, making Bella an unforgettable and endearing character.

Stone’s portrayal of the character is a masterclass in acting, blending humour with pathos in a way that perfectly captures the essence of Bella. At every stage of Bella’s journey, Stone brings a sincerity and authenticity that connects the film’s fantastical elements to a tangible reality. Stone’s performance is a testament not only to her talent, but also to her ability to take risks and embrace the complexity of her characters.

At the centre of “Poor Things” is Bella Baxter’s quest for self-discovery and autonomy. Resurrected with no memory of her past life, Bella represents a blank slate and offers a unique perspective on what it means to construct one’s identity. The film questions the extent to which identity is shaped by societal expectations versus personal experiences. Navigating a world that tries to define itself by past norms and traditions, Bella’s journey is a literal and metaphorical exploration of autonomy.

Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, becomes the vehicle through which the film explores gender dynamics and the critique of Victorian and contemporary social norms. The narrative challenges traditional gender roles and the objectification of women, using Bella’s experiences to highlight the absurdity and often harmful nature of such structures. Bella’s interactions with characters such as Godwin Baxter, Max McCandless and Duncan Wedderburn serve as a reflection on the various expressions of masculinity and their effects on female agency.

Through its characters and their dilemmas, “Poor Things” engages in philosophical debates on morality, rationalism and the ideals of enlightenment. Bella’s unorthodox resurrection and her subsequent actions raise questions about the moral implications of scientific progress and the limits of human endeavour. The film’s depiction of Bella’s intellectual and sexual awakening challenges mind-body dualism, suggesting a more holistic understanding of human existence that values emotional intelligence and bodily autonomy.

The film positions itself as both a critique and a celebration of human complexity. With her insatiable curiosity and refusal to conform to social expectations, Bella takes a progressive stance on individuality and gender equality. While Bella’s journey is a rejection of patriarchal structures, it also embraces the complexities and contradictions inherent in breaking free of these structures. Instead of offering easy answers, Lanthimos invites viewers to consider the complex dance between personal freedom and social constraints.

“Poor Things” is distinguished by its visual storytelling, where Robbie Ryan’s cinematography depicts a world that transitions from monochrome simplicity to a riot of colour. This visual evolution reflects Bella’s personal growth and the expanding horizons of her world. Abstract CGI renditions of Lisbon, Paris and Alexandria add a layer of magical realism to the film, reminiscent of Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities”. These cities become characters in their own right, reinforcing the narrative’s search for identity and discovery.

“Poor Things” is much more than a film; it is a narrative and visual feast that forces the audience to think, laugh and ponder on the absurdities of life.

The use of a fish-eye lens further emphasises the film’s unique perspective, inviting viewers to experience the world through Bella’s eyes. This choice in cinematography underlines the film’s themes of perception and reality, making “Poor Things” a visually engaging and thought-provoking experience.

With “Poor Things”, Yorgos Lanthimos has created a film that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually breathtaking. Emma Stone’s performance is undoubtedly the centrepiece of this cinematic endeavour, delivering a portrayal that is both powerful and deeply nuanced. Marking an important turning point in her career with her portrayal of Bella Baxter, Stone demonstrates her ability to delve deeply into complex characters and bring them to life with authenticity and grace.

“Poor Things” is much more than a film; it is a narrative and visual feast that forces the audience to think, laugh and ponder the absurdities of life. Stone’s career-best performance, combined with Lanthimos’ visionary direction, makes this film an essential viewing for anyone who appreciates the art of cinema.

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