Equal parts controversial, sexy, hilarious, and sumptuous, Poor Things (2023) is the fourth English language feature film from Oscar nominated Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos (Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Favourite). Set in a steampunk-influenced alternate 19th century, Emma Stone stars as Bella, a woman brought back to life by (mad) scientist Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Possessing the mind of a rapidly evolving child, Bella discovers the world and its many pleasures and vices courtesy of debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), who absconds with Bella and introduces her to the world of high society, not to mention lots and lots of sex!
But, as Bella continues learning about the world from people like wealthy feminist socialite Martha von Kurtzroc (Hanna Schygulla) and hedonist Harry Astley (Jerrod Carmichael), she begins to grow disillusioned with Duncan's narrow view of a woman's place in society. She eventually winds up in Paris where she takes a job at a brothel run by Swiney (Kathryn Hunter), reclaiming her sexuality as a form of empowerment and reducing Duncan to a raving madman in the process!
This fantastical film is a terrific riff on the Frankenstein legend, but since that classic movie monster couldn't seal the deal with his bride, Bella becomes the much more enlightened of the two! Mark Ruffalo shows off his legendary ass in several sex scenes with Stone, while we get some fantastic full frontal and full nudity from several of Bella's brothel customers, including Laurent Borel, Patrick de Valette, Raphaël Thiéry, and Damien Bonnard! When it comes to exploring the pleasures of this world, Poor Things is a Sure Thing!