What is the meaning of Poor Things? What does poor thing mean?

Certainly! Let’s delve into the themes and meaning of “Poor Things”, the 2023 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and based on Alasdair Gray’s novel of the same name. This darkly comedic, sexually explicit, surrealist steampunk fantasy weaves together a thoughtful feminist spin on the classic “Frankenstein” story with loads of entertainment along the way.

Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone) is at the heart of this peculiar tale. She is a Frankenstein-esque creation, with her body originating from a woman who died by suicide, while her brain comes from that woman’s still-living baby. Observed by Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), her physical, verbal, and intellectual abilities mature rapidly.

Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef), Godwin’s assistant, eventually asks for Bella’s hand in marriage, which she accepts. However, Bella yearns to explore the world—a desire her creator denies her—so she runs away with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a trouble-making lawyer, embarking on a passionate journey across Europe.

In Lisbon, Bella indulges in sex and sweets while awkwardly navigating the rules of “polite society.” During a boat voyage, she learns about human suffering from the cynical Harry Astley (Jerrod Carmichael). Heartbroken by the poverty she witnesses in Alexandria, Bella takes all of Duncan’s money and gives it away—an act that doesn’t sit well with him. Seemingly destitute in Paris, Bella views poverty as an “experiment” and finds work in a brothel.

She chooses to stay there, further driving Duncan mad by sending him off with emergency money she conveniently forgot to mention earlier. Throughout her journey, Bella communicates with Godwin and Max via postcards. However, one day, Bella receives a postcard informing her that Godwin is dying of cancer. She must return to London to face this inevitable reality.

The term “poor thing” can be used to describe someone or something to be pitied. In Bella’s case, her unique existence—born from disparate parts—invites both sympathy and curiosity. Her journey through a world filled with excesses—sex, violence, dark humor—challenges oppressive norms and explores themes of identity development and feminine sexuality.

In summary, “Poor Things” is an intriguing blend of fantasy and social commentary that invites viewers to question societal norms while following Bella’s unconventional path through life.