Is Poor Things LGBTQ? What inspired Poor Things?

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Poor Things, a film that combines elements of science fiction, feminism, and dark humor. Based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same name, Poor Things is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and stars Emma Stone as Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman with an extraordinary past.

In Poor Things, Bella Baxter undergoes an experimental procedure performed by the brilliant yet unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (played by Willem Dafoe). Dr. Baxter brings Bella back to life, transplanting her brain with that of an unborn fetus she was carrying at the time of her death.

As a result, Bella becomes both her own mother and child, existing in a unique and complex state of being. This intriguing premise sets the stage for Bella’s odyssey of sexual and intellectual self-discovery. Poor Things draws inspiration from Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein.

However, it cleverly flips the narrative. Instead of a male creature feared by society, we have Bella—a child-woman who embarks on a fearless journey of awakening. Her newfound intellectual curiosity and sexual exploration lead her to explore the world at an accelerated pace.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos intentionally places Bella at the center of the story. He wanted to explore Bella’s life without shame, emphasizing her intuitive needs and bravery in a world that constantly dictates how women should behave. Bella’s journey becomes an act of defiance against societal norms and limitations.

Frankenstein is fundamentally about power and its corrupting influence. Victor Frankenstein seeks to create life itself, usurping Mother Nature and women in the process. In Poor Things, Bella’s origin story echoes this theme. Her existence challenges patriarchy’s attempts to erase women—an act that resonates with Mary Shelley’s complex feminist legacy.

The film doesn’t shy away from sexuality. Bella’s sexual awakening is integral to her character development. Director Lanthimos believes that portraying this aspect authentically is essential for a character who is so free-spirited and open.

In summary, Poor Things weaves together elements of science fiction, feminism, and dark humor to create a thought-provoking tale centered around Bella Baxter—a woman defying conventions, exploring her desires, and forging her own path in a world that often seeks to limit her.