What does Title Poor Things mean? How do you describe Poor Things?

“Poor Things” is a 2023 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Tony McNamara. The movie stars Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael. It’s based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray.

In Victorian London, medical student Max McCandles becomes an assistant to the eccentric surgeon Godwin Baxter. Max falls in love with Godwin’s ward, a childlike young woman named Bella Baxter. Bella’s intelligence rapidly develops, and she becomes curious about the outside world.

Bella runs off with a debauched lawyer named Duncan Wedderburn. Duncan smuggles her onto a cruise ship, where Bella befriends passengers Martha and Harry, who open her mind to philosophy. Duncan attempts to stunt her growth but fails. Bella witnesses the suffering of the poor during a stop in Alexandria and becomes distraught .

At its core, “Poor Things” explores the awkwardness of forging real human connections. Bella seeks enlightenment, self-discovery, and genuine love from people who don’t just want to control her. Emma Stone delivers a captivating performance as Bella, evolving from a childlike state to a sexually liberated woman. The film juxtaposes extreme behavior within pristine settings, creating an astonishing experience that questions established norms and power dynamics.

The movie premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion. It has grossed over $94 million worldwide and received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and performances. Emma Stone’s portrayal of Bella is particularly noteworthy—wildly alive, unpredictable, and technically precise throughout her character’s evolution.