Poor Things
Yorgos Lanthimos is one of the most unique filmmakers working today and Poor Things might be his masterpiece. Emma Stone plays Bella Baxter in a crazy Frankenstein coming of age story that’s like nothing else. It's graphic and extreme but everything has purpose. Every disturbing image and action is an exploration of what it means to be human.
Visually insane. Mind blowing production design creates a fantastical victorian setting with a level of aesthetic detail rivaling Wes Anderson. The cinematography matches the insanity with unorthodox lenses and framing reflecting Bella Baxter’s warped perception of reality. As her worldview develops the visuals shift accordingly becomming more subdued and undistorted. Jerskin Fendrix provides the equally crazy soundtrack which also shifts purposefully between abrasive discordant sounds and warm orchestral flourishes.
Much of the Yorgos Lanthimos' previous work boils down to satirical social commentary delivered through dark comedy. His style was previously defined by dry and emotionless delivery contrasting the absurdity of characters and situations. While this was integral to his unique directorial voice, it's good to see him move on to something more animated on Poor Things which retains plenty of his bizarre sense of humour. I loved the dynamic between Willem Defoe saying something insane like it’s normal and Ramy Youssef reacting with an appropriately confused outburst. There are so many hilarious lines and perfect responses where someone says out loud what everyone is thinking.
Emma Stone does an impressive job of bringing serious emotional moments out of such a wacky character. Watching Bella Baxter grow and change as she understands more of humanity is cathartic in a way that's hard to describe. The bleak cynicism recurring throughout Lanthimos' filmography is still present but there is a genuine heart to it that gives an added layer of depth. Poor Things manages to simultaneously be a critical indictment and triumphant celebration of humanity.
10/10