Poor Things (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2023): Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, Hungary

Reviewed by Mia Velazquez. Viewed at Santa Barbara Film Festival 2024, Arlington Theatre.

Pretending to be “God,” mad scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter creates life in his lab.

Our female Frankenstein, Bella Baxter, is created from the body of a drown woman and the brain of her unborn infant.

Odd behaviors are displayed by Bella, as she grows and develops with her infant’s brain.

Roles and equal rights of women in society are questioned and challenged by Bella.

The concept of acceptable behaviors in polite society are explored and/or ignored by Bella.

Happiness and deep sorrow in the world are discovered by Bella on her adventures.

Innocence is lost with the harsh realities of life and the evils of humanity.

New gender roles are explored, and Bella is not restricted or imprisoned by the abuse of her past life.

Godwin Baxter gives his human creation Bella free will, just as God gives to all mankind.

Societal roles are shifted and/or reversed as Bella discovers the violent and confusing world around her.

THEMES: “Poor Things” represents the poor humans, suffering under the restrictions of society, imprisoned by their own rules.