Opened: December 8, 2023

Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Kathryn Hunter, Jerrod Carmichael, Hanna Schygulla, Margaret Qualley, Vicki Pepperdine, Suzy Bemba, Tom Stourton, Wayne Brett, Carminho & Jerskin Fendrix

An interesting, gender-swapped take on Frankenstein, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things is stylish and superbly acted but won’t appeal much to the public.

Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) brings the deceased Victoria Blessington back as Bella Baxter (Emma Stone). While Godwin’s assistant Max (Ramy Youssef) falls for Bella, she decides to go on a worldly adventure with the infamous Duncan (Mark Ruffalo) before settling down.

Stone is dazzling and has an incredible arc as Bella goes from having a very undeveloped mind to gaining mass knowledge. Ruffalo is also brilliantly funny as the up and down Duncan.

Due to the comedy being specific and the oddities of the storyline and filming styles, the film isn’t necessarily one that people will flock to – or even enjoy if they give it the chance.

Final say: The title sums it up. ★★★★☆