Poor Things (2023)

"Poor Things" is a post-modernist tale of feminism.

As far as post-modernism and feminism go, it is okay, I guess.

I really don't hold much truck with post-modernist movies. The obviously fake yet carefully curated backgrounds are there to deliberately remind you that you are watching a fabricated tale. Which might be fine if you are watching the movie as a film critic or a film student, where you are not so much enjoying the movie but studying it. But for the rest of us, if you simply want a little escapism from the doldrums of regular life, it is not so good. If you want to immerse yourself in a new world for a few hours, the obvious fakery constantly forces you to think about the directorial choices, which always distracts from the joy of a new movie. At least it does for me. I hate it. I hate it with a growing passion.

Aside from that glowing ember of hate that is slowly simmering deep within my soul, the movie is interesting. A doctor discovers a beautiful young pregnant woman who is near death's door. She clearly committed suicide? He determines that if she clearly wanted to kill herself, then he clearly doesn't have the right to resuscitate her. So instead, he makes the only other viable choice - to transplant her fetus's brain into her brain box. And as luck would have it, he has all the right tools for the job, being an expert at head transplants. If the only tools you have are for transplanting heads, I guess every problem looks like a head transplant problem.

Naturally, the fetus-brain/mother-body (known as Bella) is raised by the doctor and a willing servant inside the doctor's mansion, never being allowed outside. Bella develops quickly, but not normally. While the scene is set in the beginning of the 19th century, Bella has an entirely modern mindset. She is sexually liberated, believes in female equality, and is both intelligent and beautiful. This transportation of modern sensibilities into past historical scenes always stops me from enjoying the movie, and starts me analyzing the movie. Clearly, this movie is a modern take on the age-old tale of "Frankenstein." What is less often known is that the author of "Frankenstein," Mary Shelley, was ahead of her time in terms of women's rights and women's liberation. So while the story echoes "Frankenstein," Bella echoes Mary Shelley, who wrote "Frankenstein" at the age of 18.



You should not watch Poor Things if...

• You are not a fan of post-modernist cinematic techniques. This film frequently disrupts the immersion of the viewer to remind you of its constructed nature.
• You struggle with accepting anachronistic character traits. The character Bella, whilst set in the 19th century, has a distinctly modern mindset, which might be jarring for some viewers.
• You aren't interested in feminist themes or stories that air on the side of magical realism, such as having a fetus's brain transplanted into a mother's body.
• You desire a traditional story structure. This tale follows its own unique narrative beats, which may be confusing or unsatisfying to those seeking a more conventional movie-watching experience.
• You are young or prefer more light-hearted fare. Given the complex themes and intense plot elements, it may not be suitable or enjoyable for those under 18.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Poor Things"? I mean, it's like someone took the story of Frankenstein, mixed it with a dash of 21st century feminism, and threw in a random brain transplant just to keep us on our toes.

And why is it always a doctor playing God in these movies? Can't we have a dentist or a podiatrist for once? “Oh no, You've cracked a tooth... Let's see if this foot fits in your mouth!”

And then we have Bella, this superwoman from the 19th century with the brain of a fetus and the attitudes of a 21st century feminist. It's like someone took the cast of "Little Women," gave them a crash course in gender studies, and set them loose in Victorian England.

And let's talk about the brain transplant. I mean, they didn't even have anesthesia in the 19th century. They were sawing off limbs while the patient was fully conscious. Got a head ache? You need a bleeding. Got a stomach ache? You need a bleeding. Feeling faint from all the bleedings? You need another bleeding. But sure, let's assume they can perform a successful brain transplant. I guess it’s not much different than swapping out a light bulb, right?

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The Favourite (2018):

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the film presents a postmodern take on a period drama set in 18th-century England. The movie, like "Poor Things", weaves modern sensibilities and feminist themes into the historical context. Though the aesthetics might seem stylized at times, the drama's immersive nature could keep your attention. Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone give outstanding performances, and the screenplay by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara is clever and full of dark humor. Rather than the traditional escapism sought from period dramas, "The Favourite" offers an exploration of power relationships from a decidedly feminist perspective.

Little Women (2019):

The 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel infuses the narrative with present-day feminist values in much the same way as "Poor Things". The film features a strong ensemble cast that includes Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Laura Dern. Gerwig's take on the characters and their relationships, within the confines of the 19th-century context, brings to the forefront themes of independence, ambition, and sisterhood. While the backdrop stays true to the period, the dialogues and characters have been modernized, making for an engaging exploration of feminism in the historical setting.

Lady Macbeth (2016):

"Lady Macbeth", directed by William Oldroyd, is a compelling drama set in 19th century rural England. Drawing elements from both classic literature and postmodern cinema, it dives into the life of a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who starts an affair that results in murder. The lead character, played by Florence Pugh, is a complex figure, who defies her era's patriarchal barriers with her striking individuality and disregard for moral norms. This movie, like "Poor Things", brings modern feminist ideals to the historical frame. It is a different take on period drama that might appeal to you, as it hovers between being plainly escapist and subtly analytical.

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