POOR THINGS (2023) REVIEW

 

Yorgos Lanthimos, the maestro of madness and mayhem in picturesque settings, has outdone himself with his latest concoction, "Poor Things." From the serene suburbs of "Dogtooth" to the twisted romance of "The Lobster," Lanthimos never fails to serve up a feast of absurdity against a backdrop of pristine perfection.

In "Poor Things," the contrast between societal norms and human quirks reaches new heights of hilarity. Emma Stone, in a role that requires her to be both toddler and temptress, navigates this topsy-turvy world with the finesse of a tightrope walker on a unicycle. As Bella, she's a whirlwind of whimsy and wiles, flitting from innocence to independence faster than you can say "mad scientist."

Speaking of mad scientists, Willem Dafoe brings a touch of tenderness to the role of Dr. Godwin Baxter, Bella's father figure with a penchant for peculiar experiments. And let's not forget Mark Ruffalo, whose portrayal of the dastardly Duncan Wedderburn is equal parts suave seducer and swaggering simpleton. It's a performance that's as intoxicating as it is inexplicable.

But the real star of "Poor Things" is its language. Tony McNamara's screenplay crackles with wit and whimsy, bouncing along like a kangaroo on a pogo stick. Stone sinks her teeth into each word with gusto, transforming Bella's journey from disjointed babble to eloquent empowerment.

Robbie Ryan's cinematography dazzles and delights, capturing the evolution of Bella's world with breathtaking beauty. From grainy black and white to lush, vibrant color, each frame is a visual feast that's as rich in texture as it is in tone.  

And let's not forget the costumes and production design, which transport us from Victorian London to the bustling streets of Lisbon and beyond. Holly Waddington's costumes tell Bella's story with every stitch, while Shona Heath and James Price's production design breathes life into each fantastical locale.

But amidst all the technical wizardry lies the beating heart of "Poor Things": Bella herself. Kind, optimistic, and unapologetically herself, she's a heroine for the ages—a Barbie for the weird and wonderful. So grab your popcorn and prepare to be enchanted, because "Poor Things" isn't just the best movie of the year—it's a journey you won't soon forget.