Pauvres Créatures

"Poor Things" directed by Yorgos Lanthimos is definitely a bold and interesting original film. Probably the most unique film to be released this year and provided a surprising watch, I often found myself laughing out loud more than I had thought I would've. The film showcases personal transformation and finding one's self through rapid growth and character development with Bella (Emma Stone). As we see her transition from being told where to go and what to do, to ultimately deciding her own path. Emma Stone displayed one of her greatest performances to date and heavily carried this film on her shoulders. The supporting ensemble was outstanding as well with Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and Christopher Abbott all giving exceptional performances. Beautiful cinematography, set design, costume design and makeup were very unique and help elevate this bizarre and over the top piece of cinema to be one of the best films of the year.

Poor things is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer) and is supported with a strong cast, namely Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe.

The first impression you get from this movie is bizarre to say the least. In fact, it takes some time to get used to the ambiance which is nothing short of macabre. And surely, this impression lasts throughout the whole movie; but this feeling of weirdness and incomprehension serves the plot and in this sense, is most welcome. Eventually, there comes a time where, inevitably, and without even realizing it, you are suctioned right in, never to escape again. And you are glad to be trapped in what is essentially pit of limitless pleasure.

Indeed, one of the things the movie does very well is make you, along with the protagonist, embark on an adventure. Sure, you might have been to the places the protagonist went to, but those are presented in a most wonderful way. The aesthetics are magnificient and otherworldly. I do not know how they did it, but I remember being in awe and it is a feeling that I will cherish for a lifetime. It is truly a sight to behold.

It is the kind of movie which makes you feel grateful to be alive.

This is a very unusual movie. I enjoyed watching it, even though it felt awkward at times (as promised by the creators and many reviewers). In my opinion, many users who gave it a 1/10, missed the point. For sure, it is a movie for very mature and sophisticated audiences. It contains a lot of ugly truths about the world, so don't watch it if those bother you. (Don't watch it with teenagers, either, wait until they are 20 or 21.) I appreciated the creative direction, cinematography, and Emma Stone's acting talent. The plot covers multiple aspects of privilege and abuse in thought-provoking ways. On a very high level, you could say that it has some similarities to Barbie, but a very different approach. It is almost the anti-Barbie. The contrast between these two 2023 movies is definitely worth a class discussion in some graduate course of film criticism.

Poor Thins was the last Best Picture nominee on my list.

As someone who likes the work of Lanthimos but does not *love it* I didn't know what to expect all I can say is I love it!

For me, this film represents female liberation like no other. Bella represents the new beginning and self-discovery. Emma should win an Oscar for this is not even questionable.

The scenes are magnificent and the whole world Lanthimos created is stunning to look at.

The cast (for the most part) delivers outstanding performances even though their accents sometimes miss the mark.

The only cast member that I found lacking was Margaret Qualley.

It's an outstanding film that deserves the recognition it got and it's the perfect feminist text. I loved it.

Where to begin with this one....

First off, the performances presented here are top of their class. Absolutely phenomenal! In a film with characters as strange as these, you need a strong cast and every player here was up to the task and more! Just brilliant!

Secondly, the story is insane. I mean padded room, straight jacket type of insane. When reading the synopsis, I was thinking about how wild of a concept it was and did not think they could pull off such an audacious plot. However, Yorgos and company had a specific vision for this film and it shows in the amount of detail in both the screenplay and the visionary artistic decisions. I can say, they completely nailed it!

Thirdly, exploring the human condition through sexuality, in all emotional forms, has been done before. Though, never quite like this. It was refreshing to see it through the eyes of someone reborn and ready for everything life had to throw her, as opposed to the usual timid youthful eyes.

Lastly, the cinematography is wonderfully done. Mixing between black and white to full color, with wild scenery and beautifully detailed architecture. Sometimes the film felt like a dream captured within a painting. It was quite beautiful.

Overall, I would highly recommend it. I don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea. It is very artsy, very sexually uncomfortable, and very strange. However, if you enjoy great storytelling and truly original visions on film, better see this on the big screen.

4.5 surgerys out of 5.