'Poor Things' Movie: Everything We Know So Far

In the realm of cinema, there are few names as intriguing and provocative as Yorgos Lanthimos. Known for his thought-provoking and unconventional storytelling, Lanthimos has garnered a dedicated following over the years. Now, the acclaimed Greek filmmaker is back with "Poor Things," a gothic science fiction romance that promises to be as gripping as his previous works. This article is your gateway to everything you need to know about "Poor Things."

When Is The Release Date Of 'Poor Things'?

Originally slated for release on September 8, 2023, "Poor Things" encountered a slight delay due to industry strikes. As a result, audiences worldwide will have to wait until December 8, 2023, to experience Lanthimos' latest creation. However, lucky cinephiles can catch the world premiere at the 80th Venice Festival, which runs from August 30 to September 9, 2023.

Filming for "Poor Things" took place in Hungary, commencing in August 2021 and concluding by the end of that year. The choice of Hungary as a filming location suggests that the film will have a distinctive visual style, as the country has served as a backdrop for various notable productions.

Is There A Trailer For 'Poor Things'?

The anticipation for "Poor Things" has been building steadily, fueled by intriguing teasers and trailers. A thirty-second teaser dropped on May 11, 2023, offering a surreal glimpse into the film's world. The official trailer released was then released on June 8, 2023, This extended look revealed that Stone's character is entangled in an experiment where her brain and body don't quite synchronize. And on August 30, a featurette featuring Emma Stone's insights into her character added another layer of intrigue.

Who's In the Cast of 'Poor Things'?

The upcoming film "Poor Things" boasts an impressive lineup of Hollywood talent. Emma Stone, who previously worked with director Yorgos Lanthimos on "The Favourite," leads the cast as Bella Baxter, the protagonist. Stone's acclaimed performance in "The Favourite" has generated high expectations for her return under Lanthimos' direction.

However, Stone is not the only standout in this film. Willem Dafoe, known for his amazing performances, plays the quirky scientist responsible for Bella's transformation, Dr. Godwin Baxter. Mark Ruffalo, a seasoned actor, takes on the role of the complex lawyer Duncan Wedderbum. Christopher Abbott, Ramy Youssef, Jarod Carmichael, Kathryn Hunter, and Margaret Qualley also contribute their unique talents to the ensemble cast.

Who Is Behind the Camera of 'Poor Things'?

Behind the camera, Yorgos Lanthimos helms "Poor Things" with his signature style and vision. Lanthimos is no stranger to the world stage, having garnered acclaim for his earlier works, including "The Lobster" and "The Killing of The Sacred Deer." His partnership with Emma Stone has yielded fantastic results, as they're already planning their next project, an anthology film titled "AND."

The film's script comes courtesy of Tony McNamara, known for his work on "The Favourite," creating a seamless synergy between director and writer. The reunion of Lanthimos with his trusted collaborators, cinematographer Robbie Ryan and editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis, promises a visually stunning and tightly edited experience.

In terms of production, "Poor Things" boasts a robust team. Producers include Lanthimos, Ed Guiney, Ali Herting, Andrew Lowe, Dave McCary, and Emma Stone, with Ildiko Kemeny, Kasia Malipan, David Minkowski, and Mónika Nagy contributing as co-producers and line producers. With such a dedicated team, "Poor Things" appears to be in capable hands.

What Is the Plot of 'Poor Things'?

At its core, "Poor Things" is a reimagining of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." The narrative centers around Bella Baxter, a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is revived by the brilliant but unorthodox scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter. However, her revival comes with a peculiar twist—her adult body houses the brain of an infant. This premise sets the stage for a story rife with questions of identity, freedom, and human connection.

Bella's journey is not a simple one. Under Dr. Godwin's guidance, she attempts to navigate the complexities of her new existence. Yet, she can't help but feel trapped and out of place. Her escape with Duncan Wedderburn, a morally ambiguous lawyer, launches her into an otherworldly adventure that forces her to confront the prejudices and norms of her time. As she embarks on this journey of self-discovery, Bella's quest for answers becomes a compelling quest for liberation.

It's worth noting that the source material for "Poor Things" presents its narrative through various unreliable narrators with contrasting reports, adding layers of complexity to the storytelling. Alasdair Gray, who wrote the original novel, even presents himself as an editor within the text, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This intricate narrative structure promises to be a fascinating challenge for the filmmakers.