Aren’t We All Poor Things?

 

"Poor Things!", released in Italian theatres on January 25 2024, is a film by director Yorgos Lanthimos that presents itself as a startling and thought-provoking work. Through grotesque atmospheres and surreal hues, the film revisits the myth of Frankenstein in a modern key, focusing on the female figure of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone).

Bella, an emancipated woman with a sexuality that was free for her time, is brought back to life by the scientist God (Mark Ruffalo) after a suicide attempt. However, her brain is replaced with that of the foetus she was carrying, creating a hybrid and unique creature.

 

Like Frankenstein's monster, Bella finds herself catapulted into a world that does not understand or fear her. Her childlike innocence clashes with the cruelty and hypocrisy of Victorian society, leading her to have grotesque and tragicomic experiences.

Lanthimos, through the figure of Bella, explores deep and universal themes: diversity, the search for a place in the world, the fragility of the human being. The protagonist, torn between two contrasting natures, embodies the complexity and contradictoriness of the human soul.

Like Frankenstein, Bella is also a victim of her own creation. The transplantation of the foetal brain deprives her of her identity and makes her unable to relate to the world in a natural way. She is an artificial creature, the result of a scientific experiment, who struggles to find meaning in her existence.

 

However, unlike Frankenstein's monster, Bella is not just a monstrous and repulsive being. The protagonist possesses an ethereal beauty and a magnetic charm that make her irresistible to men. Her explicit sexuality and her rebellion against social conventions make her an uncomfortable and provocative figure, challenging the preconceptions and stereotypes of the time.

The female figure in "Poor Things!" emerges as central and multifaceted. Bella is not just a victim, but also a strong and independent woman who fights for her freedom. Her will to live and her tenacity make her an unforgettable character, capable of moving and making the audience reflect.

 The film reminds us that all of us, deep down, are "poor creatures". Fragile and imperfect, we find ourselves facing a world that is often hostile and incomprehensible. Bella's story invites us to embrace our diversity and fight for our freedom, despite the difficulties and challenges that life throws our way.

"Poor Things!" is a film that does not leave you indifferent. With its sharp irony and its iconoclastic gaze, it pushes us to reflect on the human condition and our fragility. A courageous and provocative film that will remain etched in the memory of the audience.

 

In addition to the themes already discussed, "Poor Things!" offers food for thought on other aspects of Victorian society, such as the role of women, morality, and religion. Lanthimos' film is an invitation to question our beliefs and open ourselves up to new perspectives.

In short, "Poor Things!" is a complex and layered film that lends itself to multiple interpretations. A must-see film for those looking for a film that knows how to move, make you think, and provoke.

 

Today's Blogger

My name is Carola Micocci, a dreamer who draws inspiration from the world of painting. With an adventurous spirit and a profound passion for art, I express my experiences and reflections in my school blog, striving to capture the beauty of the world through both my brush and the words I craft.