Is Poor Things a sad movie? Is Poor Things a comedy?

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of “Poor Things,” a film adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s novel of the same name, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Tony McNamara. Released in 2023, this darkly comedic, sexually explicit, surrealist steampunk fantasy offers a unique spin on the story of “Frankenstein” while exploring themes of identity, feminine sexuality, and challenging oppressive norms.

Bella Baxter, portrayed brilliantly by Emma Stone, is at the heart of this peculiar tale. She is a creation akin to Frankenstein’s monster, assembled by Dr. Godwin Baxter (played by Willem Dafoe). Bella’s body comes from a woman who died by suicide, while her brain originates from that woman’s still-living baby.

As Bella matures, her physical, verbal, and intellectual abilities develop rapidly under the watchful eye of Godwin’s assistant, Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef). Max falls in love with Bella and proposes marriage, but Bella yearns to explore the world beyond her creator’s confines.

Enter Mark Ruffalo’s character, Duncan Wedderburn—a trouble-making lawyer who sweeps Bella away on a lavish world tour filled with vigorous sex (which Bella amusingly refers to as “furious jumping”). This journey becomes a key element of both her independence and the film’s brash humor. Throughout her odyssey, Bella communicates with Godwin and Max via postcards.

The film’s Victorian London setting provides a rich backdrop for Bella’s self-discovery. Emma Stone delivers a performance of a lifetime as Bella—wildly alive and unpredictable as she evolves from behaving like a toddler to becoming a sexually liberated woman. Her character development is both technically precise and captivating.

“Poor Things” is wonderfully bizarre, filled with extreme behavior juxtaposed against pristine settings. Lanthimos masterfully weaves together themes of identity, connection, and love in this visually striking and thought-provoking film.

While some may find its excesses too much to handle, “Poor Things” remains an astonishing exploration of womanhood and self-discovery—a true gem in Yorgos Lanthimos’ filmography .