Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, “Poor Things” is a surreal dark comedy that has taken the global box office by storm. Starring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo, this film has garnered 11 Academy Award nominations and is considered one of the best films of 2023.
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At the heart of Poor Things lies a novel twist on the Frankenstein lore. The story follows Bella Baxter (played brilliantly by Emma Stone), a woman resurrected by an unorthodox mad scientist. Reborn and unfazed by the prejudices of her time, Bella embarks on an adventure across continents with a lawyer, growing steadfast in her pursuit of liberation.
Critics have praised Poor Things for its unique themes and singular storytelling. With a 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no wonder fans around the world have also embraced it with a 79% score. Stone’s portrayal of Bella Baxter/Victoria Blessington centers her charmingly in this captivating tale.
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The film’s box office performance has been equally impressive. After over two months in theaters, Poor Things has grossed nearly $30 million domestically and an impressive $50 million from international markets. It now stands at an impressive $80 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing limited opening release of 2023.
Searchlight Pictures employed a well-crafted release strategy for Poor Things. Starting with just nine domestic locations, it delivered one of the best per-theater averages of 2023. Gradual expansions followed, leading to over 80 theaters and eventually more than 2,300 nationwide locations. The film’s success was further fueled by its 11 Oscar nominations.
As Poor Things prances past new milestones, it aims to overtake Lanthimos’ biggest-ever hit, 2018’s period dark comedy The Favourite. With Emma Stone’s captivating performance and an intriguing premise, this film continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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