Poor Things

"I’m shocked that I didn’t hate this (still not over my disdain for The Lobster.) It was a journey for sure… but in the end I came around. Super bizarre, disturbing, philosophical, with unreal performances and cinematography. It’s a lot, but that’s Yorgos."

"What a great and unique experience I had whilst watching this movie. It's like Tim Burton, Willy Wonka & Dr Suess sat together for tea & came up with this script, lol. Emma was FANTASTIC, as always. Definitely NOT a choice for family movie night though! "

"3.5⭐️ Maybe this will be an unpopular opinion, but I can’t really say it was enjoyable to watch despite the spectacular visuals and some stellar acting. Emma Stone definitely deserved the Oscar as did the film’s truly breathtaking production design. This movie has a very specific aesthetic that had me a bit in mind of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil crossed with Edward Scissorhands. Just beautiful, otherworldly and a cool splash of steampunk…. BUT it boils down to the story and HOW it’s told, in a nutshell a woman’s right to agency..of her life and of her body. The journey was a long labored one for me. It got sidetracked on a few strange details and bogged down in an over emphasis on sexual agency…. By the end, however, I was reminded of America Ferrera’s *It Is Literally Impossible To Be A Woman* monologue because Bella’s trajectory from bold but naive child to fully realized woman, one who understands the ways the world operates against her, is one all women go through even if unconsciously. Only her education was at warp speed, without the seeped in years and years of ingrained socialization. Which of course is exactly what enabled her to challenge the existing paradigm. Despite the attempt at whimsicality, and a few laugh out loud moments, it was still a much less fun and FAR too sexual way to arrive at that message. But, yes..it IS a powerful message, and while I can appreciate what Yorgos Lanthimos was going for I feel like that’s what can happen when a male is the one doing feminist storytelling. No matter how genius the male may be…. #feministfairytale #badasswomen #womensstories #womenshistorymonth"

"I will start by saying that I'm not a fan of Emma Stone... Until now! This role is unlike anything she has done before and it was glorious. This was the most brilliantly peculiar film, that was both original and innovative, that I've seen in a while. The cinematography is beautiful, going from black and white to vibrant full color in locations that at times seem otherworldly. I really appreciate the writing, the dialogue is superb. The evolution of Bella Baxter is amazing to behold. She goes from childlike terminology and refers to herself in the third person to expertly grasping the English language as her vocabulary grows but the biting wit and unexpected scathing remarks remain a constant. We witness her transformation from a wide eyed explorer, eager to see the world, to becoming a Paris wh*re as a result of circumstance. The sex scenes, although there are many, are integral to the story of self exploration and sexual discovery. Mark Ruffalo stands out in his role as Duncan and we get to see him go from a confident letch to a lost puppy dog and it is quite gratifying. Willem Dafoe never disappoints and is amazing as well. In fact, all the major players in this movie are given the opportunity to shine and all do at different times throughout. No spoilers but Alfie getting his just desserts as the goat in the final act was fitting and delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it, although it may not be for everyone. 9/10"

"I loved this movie it was weird, whimsical, funny and wise. To me this movies message is all about life and how we go about it from the good and the bad! Bella’s attitude about living was very refreshing and made me come out of the theater with a better understand about how I should be going about living my own life and my feelings towards it. I will say there is a lot of sex in this movie and odd stuff with infancy but to me it’s easy to look past because the story and aesthetics are beautiful, and it’s all in purpose of the narrative. If you’re looking for something odd with a lesson watch it! "

"Emma Stone as a version of Frankenstein is something I never expected to see. Poor Things is comparable to Everything Everywhere All at Once in the way that it throws everything at the wall, allowing the viewer to interpret the story however they please. It’s controlled chaos from start to finish, and for me, it works beautifully. It’s somehow simultaneously wacky and unsettling and hilarious and profound. If you can appreciate a bizarre, over-the-top, sex-filled, and sometimes unhinged existential journey of self-discovery, check this one out. But if movies like Sorry to Bother You or Everything Everywhere All at Once were “too weird” for you, you’ll probably hate this. If there’s any Justice in Hollywood, Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo will both get Oscar nominations. Stone deserves to win. PSA - Do NOT watch this with your grandparents… unless they’re super chill with a whole lotta sex"

"Poor Things is a variation on the Frankenstein story and the challenges of creation when tied to life. The first half is filmed in black and white as the main character is an object - of creation, of disgust, of love. The second half is filmed in technicolor and portrays an enhanced perspective of the main character. The second half is a true woman’s perspective- who is not tied to social restrictions or conventions."

"Superbly imaginative and unique in its filming and story... but the middle drags on far too long and starts to reach a level of radiant monotony before it lands. "

"This is NOT for everyone. Personally I liked the weird experience and thought the quirky nature was interesting in a good way . Of course if graphic scenes bother you STAY AWAY. This was a strange rendition of Frankenstein but it (in its on way) still at its core also explored the human condition (leaning towards through sexuality ) 9/10 for me personally "

"This was good. It's different, but good. Definitely Frankenstein-esque. About 30 to 40% of the movie is black and white, but the other 60 to 70% is a fascinating and fantastical blend of colors and imagery. The acting is truly superb. One thing that no one has said, but I feel like is very noteworthy is that there's tons of S-E-X. Honestly, it's a large part of the movie. I wasn't expecting it because I felt like no one really even mentioned it when describing this movie, which is weird. I honestly felt like a large part of the movie was about a woman finding her sexual identity and never apologizing for it. I definitely see why this movie won an Oscar. Unique in its own right. "