Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo in Poor Things.Photo:Atsushi Nishijima/Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Atsushi Nishijima/Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Emma Stonediscovers new life inPoor Things.
The Oscar winner plays Bella Baxter in theYorgos Lanthimos-directed film, a woman given a clean slate via an experimental procedure from a mad scientist, after which she gradually discovers the wonders — and dangers — of the world.
Based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same, the Frankenstein-esque fantasia film — which earned multiple2024 Golden Globe nominations— was officially announced in February 2021. However, directorYorgos Lanthimosfirst discussed the project with Stonewhile filmingThe Favouriteback in 2018.
Stone hasbeen open about why she was drawn to the roleof Bella, explaining that it “felt like acceptance of what it is to be a woman, to be free, to be scared and brave.”
“She’s understanding what it is to be a member of society,” the actress added.
Costarring alongside Stone in the film isMark Ruffalo, who plays Duncan Wedderburn, a debauched lawyer whom Bella runs off with to explore the world. The actor told PEOPLE how he and Stone prepped for their quirky scenes together in the movie.
“It started with about three weeks of rehearsal, which was just playing theater games, really, and goofing off and cutting up. [That] gave us the feeling of safety with each other and a feeling of fun," he explained.
Here’s everything to know aboutPoor Things, including who’s in the cast and when it premieres.
What isPoor Thingsabout?
Emma Stone in Poor Things.Searchlight Pictures
Searchlight Pictures
The story follows Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman transplanted with an infant’s brain who launches on an odyssey of sexual and intellectual self-discovery. Reborn again, Bella is quickly prompted to seek freedom and explore the world at “an accelerated pace.”
“It was a very important part of her journey. We felt that we shouldn’t shy away from it,” he said. “It would feel very disingenuous to tell this story aboutthis character who is so freeand so open, and then be prude about the sexual aspect of it.”
Who’s in the cast ofPoor Things?
Emma Stone as Bella in Poor Things.Searchlight Pictures
In addition to Stone as Bella Baxter, Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn and Dafoe as Dr. Goodwin Baxter, the cast ofPoor Thingsis stacked with stars. Joining them areRamy Youssef,Jerrod Carmichael,Christopher AbbottandMargaret Qualley.
Dafoe, who described his character’s relationship with Bella as “very complicated” in the film,praised his costars and the director for their workduring a December 2023 screening.
“The best part was the world, the design of the place,” Dafoe shared. “The best part was working with Yorgos. He’s a beautiful director. The best part is working with Tony McNamara’s script. The best part is having the scenes with Emma.”
Director Lanthimos also complimented Stone, referencingtheir continued collaborationafter having worked on 2018’sThe Favouritetogether. “I think we just get along… We just keep getting to know each other better and better, and we just build on that relationship," he said.
Lanthimos also earned a Golden Globe nomination for best director and McNamara nabbed a nod for best screenplay forPoor Things. Jerskin Fendrix earned a nomination for best original score.
Is there aPoor Thingstrailer?
In a profile forThe New York Timespublished in March 2023, the actors and Lanthimos opened up about the slap scene. Dafoe had his costarslap him in real life around 20 timesto help make the action look more believable!
When doesPoor Thingspremiere in theaters?
Poor Thingshad a limited theatrical release in the United States on Dec. 8, 2023. The film is scheduled for a wide release on Dec. 22, 2023.
IsPoor Thingsavailable to stream?
Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo in Poor Things.20th Century Studios
20th Century Studios
Poor Thingsis not available to stream, as it currently remains exclusive to theaters. Streaming details have yet to be announced.
source: people.com
