Fresh off its impressive awards run, the critically-acclaimed “Poor Things” is now available to stream on Disney+ (via the Hulu section). This darkly comedic tale, starring Emma Stone in an Oscar-winning performance, offers a fresh twist on the classic Frankenstein story.
Going in blind might be the best way to experience “Poor Things.” The film follows Bella Baxter (Stone), a woman brought back to life by the eccentric scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray, the story is a postmodern reimagining of Frankenstein, with Bella a captivating and intelligent woman, far from the monstrous creature of the original tale.
Stone delivers a captivating performance as Bella, taking viewers on a hilarious and often surprising journey of self-discovery. A memorable line from the film perfectly captures Bella’s experience: “I am finding being alive fascinating.”
Love plays a central role in Bella’s life. Ramy Youssef (“Ramy”) portrays Max McCandles, one of her romantic interests, while Mark Ruffalo brings comedic brilliance to Duncan Wedderburn, a character blissfully unaware of the amusement he generates. For those concerned about content, be aware that “Poor Things” carries an R rating and features frank depictions of Bella’s relationships.
Critics have raved about the film, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a stellar 92% rating. The Hollywood Reporter called it “Non-stop bonkers brilliance,” and it garnered a whopping 11 Academy Award nominations. Ultimately, “Poor Things” took home four awards: Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Achievement in Production Design, Best Achievement in Costume Design, and the most prestigious honor of the night – Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Emma Stone.
Stone‘s win was a surprise, with many expecting Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) to take the trophy. ABC News perfectly summed up the experience for first-time viewers: “[y]ou won’t know what hit you.”
However, fans of director Yorgos Lanthimos (“The Lobster,” “The Favourite”) will recognize his signature style, characterized by its offbeat humor and unique storytelling. This is Stone’s second collaboration with Lanthimos, following her Oscar-nominated performance in “The Favourite.” Their successful partnership continues, with Stone already signed on for Lanthimos’ upcoming anthology film “Kinds of Kindness,” their fourth project together.
While “Poor Things” is currently available through the Hulu section of Disney+ (still in beta), accessing it requires subscriptions to both services. So, if you’re looking for a film that’s both hilarious and thought-provoking, with a dash of the unexpected, “Poor Things” is definitely worth checking out. Just remember to leave the kiddos out of the room!
Watch the official trailer below: