Poor Things: A Glorious, Eccentric Dive into a Weird World

Yorgos Lanthimos continues to amaze with his ability to turn the bizarre into something beautiful, and Poor Things is no exception. This film is an eccentric, darkly comedic exploration of the human experience, told through Lanthimos’s singular lens. It tackles difficult themes—freedom, identity, autonomy, and rebirth—with a wicked sense of humor and an even bolder visual style. Lanthimos’s direction remains unparalleled, as he once again proves his gift for bringing peculiarly constructed worlds to life in a way that is both alien and emotionally resonant.

The world-building in Poor Things is nothing short of extraordinary. Every frame bursts with rich, surreal design—from the costume work to the set pieces to the eye-popping visual effects. It’s a film that invites you to fully immerse yourself in a strange, whimsical, and often grotesque universe, one that feels completely separate from our own yet achingly familiar in the questions it asks about what it means to live.

Emma Stone gives what may be the best performance of her career, diving into the role of Bella Baxter with a fearless intensity. She delivers a portrayal that is both emotionally raw and wildly entertaining, capturing Bella’s evolution with astonishing grace and comedic precision. Her performance alone makes Poor Things a must-watch. Supporting her are Mark Ruffalo, who hilariously subverts his usual screen persona as a pompous lothario, and Willem Dafoe, who adds layers of strange wisdom and paternal menace to his character. Each actor clearly thrives under Lanthimos’s direction.

The film’s score, composed by Jerskin Fendrix, adds another layer of personality, enhancing the story’s offbeat rhythms and absurdist undertones. It’s playful, unsettling, and utterly in sync with the film’s bizarre world.

However, Poor Things won’t be for everyone. Its pacing slows in places, and the deliberately odd tone may alienate viewers looking for something more traditional. But for those who enjoy unconventional storytelling and dark humor, it’s a feast for the eyes and mind.

Ultimately, Poor Things is a singular cinematic experience—ambitious, outrageous, and deeply human beneath all its strange layers. Lanthimos’s vision, paired with the fearless performances of his cast, makes it one of the year’s most unforgettable films. If you’re ready to embrace the weird and the wonderful, this one is not to be missed.