A review of Poor Things

I watched Poor Things the other week. Based on the trailer I had expected a zany reimagining of the Frankenstein with a bit of role reversal and a lot of feminism. I should have probably paid a small amount of attention to the censors' warnings as I did not expect the vast amounts of nudity and sex. Which I didn't have a problem with, but I'd invited a friend along based on my analysis of the trailer and suddenly seeing a naked Stone riding cowgirl without warning was definitely a surprise.

Other than that, I think I wasn't too far wrong about the film. I'd say that the creation (Stone) was definitely not the monster - instead it was the male characters that tried to use and control her for their own ends that fit that bill. From the hideously disfigured scientist who brings her back to life, to the many men who only see her as a beautiful woman to take advantage of because she has the knowledge and wonder of a child. Stone plays the part perfectly, as her child like wonder leads her to explore all the world has to offer - food, travel, drink, dancing and of course sex.

I am also curious about the setting. It's clearly in some alternative version of the Victorian era, but not quite steampunk. The vehicles look sleak and modern, but belch forth thick clouds of greenish smoke, so I wonder if they've found something other than coal to power things with. Plus the medical tech is completely fantastical as even in this modern day, we can't bring back the dead to life.

Anyway, we both enjoyed it and I can certainly see plenty of awards heading its way.

PS yes, I am very far behind on writing about my cinematic adventures...very very far behind 😮