Yorgos Lanthimos, acclaimed for directing films like “The Lobster” and “The Favourite,” takes a step into the universe of science-fiction, drawing inspiration from the timeless tale of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” The narrative, which sparked the birth of the sci-fi genre, continues to hold a significant position in popular culture. This narrative has become the muse for Lanthimos’s latest cinematic endeavor, featuring none other than the Oscar-winning Emma Stone.
The teaser trailer for “Poor Things,” a quirky and mesmerizing first glimpse into the movie, presents Stone as the creation of Willem Dafoe’s eccentric scientist. This offbeat, stylish, and slightly unsettling teaser fits perfectly into the Lanthimos oeuvre, leaving viewers intrigued about its peculiar plot.
At this point, one might wonder about Mark Ruffalo’s role in this intriguing, somewhat steam-punkish realm. To shed some light, here’s the official synopsis of “Poor Things” from Searchlight Pictures:
In this extraordinary narrative, producer Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos introduce Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected by the innovative, nonconformist scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter. As Dr. Baxter’s ward, Bella displays an insatiable curiosity about the world. Yearning for the experience she lacks, Bella embarks on a globe-trotting escapade with Duncan Wedderburn, a smooth-talking and morally loose attorney. Unbound by her era’s biases, Bella becomes an unwavering advocate for equality and freedom.
The choice of names is notably impactful in the story. The scientist reviving a deceased individual into a completely new being is aptly named “Godwin,” suggestive of his god-like power over life and death. Meanwhile, the character “Duncan Wedderburn” boasts an equally impressive moniker, which might be why Bella chooses to journey the world with him in “Poor Things.” It seems that both Dr. Frankenstein and Dr. Baxter should consider the power of a good name for their inventions, which could potentially dissuade any hostile crowds.
