? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
(all times CLT)
Retelling the classic Frankenstein tale in Poor Things: Adapted from Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel, the film — written by Tony McNamara and directed by the acclaimed Yorgos Lanthimos — promises a wild ride through a world distorted by patriarchal power disparities and steeped in gothic, steampunk-infused Victoriana.
Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a Victorian woman with an enigmatic past and eccentric tendencies, lives under the watchful eye of her guardian, Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Dr Godwin, an unorthodox scientist, conducts bizarre experiments in his opulent London mansion, which includes dissecting corpses to unravel their mysteries.
Bella is revealed to be the result of one of Baxter's experiments: Her brain was swapped with that of a fetus, leading to a peculiar disconnect between her body and mind. Despite her monstrous appearance and behavior, Bella embarks on a journey of growth and self-discovery, influenced by two suitors: The earnest documentarian Max McCandless (Ramy Youssef) and the charming huckster Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo).
As Bella travels with Duncan, her horizons expand, and she encounters both the pleasures and cruelties of the world. Through episodic adventures, she learns, evolves intellectually, and navigates complex moral dilemmas, all while grappling with her monstrous nature and evolving sense of self. The film offers a darkly humorous and thought-provoking exploration of identity, morality, and the complexities of humanity within a surreal Victorian setting.
It’s a blend of whimsy, intellect, and subversive storytelling, which immerse viewers in a carnival of oddness that is as audacious as it is unforgettable. To prove the excellent performances, Emma Stone nabbed herself an Oscar for Best Actress Awards.
DISCLAIMER- This is not a family watch.
WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch Poor Things on Disney+ or check out the trailer (watch trailer, runtime 1:23)