Overview
Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
Review
While not considered a horror movie, there are enough dark, weird and macabre elements to this film to include it on my horror lists.
Poor Things is visionary, it’s surreal and an amazing motion picture. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this may be—and arguably is—his best work to date. What struck me most is the visuals throughout this film: the colors, the Victorian scenery that oftentimes seems futuristic, and the different camera shots that make this film stand out as a truly unique work of art.
Emma Stone is truly groundbreaking in this film as she navigates such a simple, but complex character as Bella. You see the growth from her being brought back to life as she matures in her thoughts, speech and movements. How her ideals and perspectives of the world and people change.
What I was not anticipating was the amount of nudity and sex scenes involving Bella/Emma. Someone referred to the movie as ‘Porn Things’ and while the sex is not as extreme as in a porn movie, it does contain a shockingly amount of revealing fornification. Not a complaint from me, as I believe directors should be free to express such things openly and not try to water down their artistic visions for a PG-13 rating.
The main drawback of this film is its excessive duration. Nearly 2 1/2 hours is overly long for any movie, especially for one with such surreal and distinctive qualities. Top filmmakers often become overly attached to their vision, struggling to determine when to stop or set limits. Similarly to authors who compose 500-page novels, this stems from a fondness for their own work rather than improving the narrative. Poor Things lingers excessively in the distinct world it builds, extending beyond what is truly essential.
Poor Things is a must-see for film enthusiasts. While some may not enjoy it, many will still gain a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
