Movies - Golden Lion Winner Poor Things to Enchant U.S. Audiences in Theaters Starting today

By Mulder, 08 december 2023

Following its triumphant premiere at the prestigious 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it clinched the coveted Golden Lion, Poor Things is poised to cast its spell on audiences across the United States. Directed by the visionary Yorgos Lanthimos and featuring a stellar cast led by Emma Stone, this highly anticipated film promises a unique and captivating blend of black comedy, fantasy, and Victorian-era rebellion.

Poor Things, adapted from the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray, invites viewers on an enthralling journey with Bella Baxter, a young Victorian woman resurrected by the scientific endeavors of Dr. Godwin Baxter, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. Together with Duncan Wedderburn, a debauched lawyer brought to life by the incomparable Willem Dafoe, Bella embarks on an odyssey of self-discovery and sexual liberation, challenging societal norms and expectations at every turn.

The film boasts a star-studded ensemble, including the remarkable talents of Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael. Their performances have garnered widespread critical acclaim, with special recognition from the National Board of Review for Tony McNamara's screenplay and Mark Ruffalo's outstanding supporting role.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos, celebrated for his distinctive and thought-provoking storytelling, revisited Alasdair Gray's novel years before bringing it to life on the big screen. The film's development, though laden with challenges, gained momentum during the filming of The Favourite in 2018, where Lanthimos and Emma Stone collaborated on the short film Bleat, foreshadowing the creative synergy that would define Poor Things.

Poor Things is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its cast and crew, overcoming various obstacles, including the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, to deliver a cinematic masterpiece that defies convention and resonates with audiences on a profound level.

The film's visually stunning portrayal of Bella's journey is complemented by the meticulous work of costume designer Holly Waddington, who artfully depicts Bella's growth through her evolving wardrobe. Emma Stone, who not only delivers a captivating performance on-screen but also serves as a producer, emphasizes the crucial role Bella's costumes play in conveying her character's transformative arc.

After its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, Poor Things continued to capture the imagination of audiences at various prestigious festivals, including Telluride, New York, London, Busan, and Sitges. The film's recognition as one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute further heightens the anticipation for its U.S. release.

Poor Things promises to be a cinematic experience like no other, inviting audiences to explore the boundaries of fantasy, comedy, and societal critique. Don't miss the chance to witness this extraordinary film when it hits theaters on December 8, 2023, and opens wide on December 22, 2023.

Synopsis:
Bella is a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox Dr. Godwin Baxter. Under his protection, she is eager to learn. Eager to discover the world she knows nothing about, she elopes with Duncan Wedderburn, a shrewd and debauched lawyer, and embarks on a dizzying odyssey across the continents. Impervious to the prejudices of her time, Bella is determined to give in to the principles of equality and liberation.

Poor Things
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Written by Tony McNamara
Based on Poor Things by Alasdair Gray
Produced by Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone
Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Jerrod Carmichael
Cinematography : Robbie Ryan
Edited by Yorgos Mavropsaridis
Music by Jerskin Fendrix
Production companies: Film4, Element Pictures, TSG Entertainment
Distributed by Searchlight Pictures
Release dates : September 1, 2023 (Venice), December 8, 2023 (United States), January 17, 2024 (France)
Running time : 141 minutes