Poor Things (2023) - The Comeback of Commercial Success for Artistic Cinema - 8/10 (11/03/24)

Poor Things is a dramatic science-fiction film that has been praised by critics and audiences alike. The film tells the story of a pregnant woman who commits suicide and is then brought back to life with the brain of her deceased child inside of her. The audience follows Bella Baxter as she is raised by controversial scientist Godwin Baxter, gets engaged to his nervous assistant Max McCandles, visits Europe with ladykiller Duncan Wedderburn and ultimately meets her sadistic husband Alfie Blessington. This movie is recommended to fans of classic science-fiction stories, early horror movies and avant-garde cinema.

On the positive side, the acting performances in this movie are convincing throughout. Emma Stone shines as the protagonist who at first showcases child-like behaviour, then grows into a rebellious teenager before becoming a lustful young woman and ultimately a mature lady organizing changes in her life. Up next, the visual effects of this movie are absolutely outstanding. The shots in black and white ooze with atmosphere and recall early horror and science-fiction cinema. The use of colours in this movie is particularly vibrant, memorable and imaginative. Several scenes look like paintings rather than moving pictures. The sound effects of this film are executed with precision, intellect and balance. The soundtrack of this movie is equally diversified, eclectic and entertaining. The story comes around with a few creative ideas here and there such as the protagonist's shocking impressions of hunger in Alexandria or her meeting the husband of her former life in London.

On the negative side, this movie is certainly too long as it clocks in at one hundred forty-one minutes. Several passages drag on for far too long such as the scenes at the hotel in Portugal or the parts at the whorehouse in France. The story itself isn't particularly innovating either as it recalls several classic horror stories such as Bride of Frankenstein. One could get the impression that this movie often values eye candy over intellectual depth.

Still, Poor Things is a movie that deserves its praise. It convinces with strong acting, wonderful locations, impressive sound effects, memorable soundtrack and incredible visual effects. The plot could have been more unique and several scenes overstay their welcome. Ultimately, it's great that such artistic movies are commercially successful in this day and age and prompt the next generations to inspire and move their audiences alike.