Is Poor Things shocking? Is Poor Things a metaphor?

“Poor Things”, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and based on Alasdair Gray’s novel of the same name, is a darkly comedic, sexually explicit, and surrealist steampunk fantasy. The film delivers both a thoughtful feminist spin on the story of “Frankenstein” and loads of entertainment along the way.

While it may be extremely strange and disturbing at times, it manages to be skillfully stitched together, appealing to a wider audience than one might expect. The plot follows Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone), who is essentially a Frankenstein-like creation.

Bella’s body comes from a woman who died by suicide, while her brain comes from that woman’s still-living baby. Bella’s physical, verbal, and intellectual abilities mature rapidly. She eventually runs away with a trouble-making lawyer named Duncan Wedderburn (played by Mark Ruffalo) on a trip across Europe.

Throughout her journey, Bella communicates with her creator, Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), and his assistant Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef) via postcards. The film explores several themes:

1. Identity Development: Bella’s journey represents her quest for identity and freedom. She escapes her creator’s control to explore the world, indulging in passionate experiences along the way.

2. Feminine Sexuality: Bella’s sexual awakening is central to the story. Her encounters with sex and sweets contrast with her awkwardness in learning the rules of “polite society.”

3. Challenging Oppressive Norms: Bella challenges societal norms throughout her journey. She views poverty as an “experiment,” works in a brothel, and gives away money to those in need.

The ending of “Poor Things” is both euphoric and disturbing. In a climactic twist, Bella discovers that she was reanimated by Godwin Baxter after taking her own life. Her abusive husband Alfie Blessington (Christopher Abbott) seeks to control her further but ends up being reduced to the mind of a goat by Bella’s actions.

The film’s visual imagery is demented yet powerful, emphasizing Bella’s triumph over men desperate to control her. It’s metaphorical—Bella standing in for women’s progress—but also practically tactile in its depiction . The sets and costumes are rich and over-the-top, contributing to the film’s unique atmosphere.