Poor Things

[Prrambulate]

This comes out in a few days - some people might have seen it already? Looking forward to the discussion on this.

I’ve read the book and it has a wicked satirical edge, multiple perspectives and potential unreliable narrators. My initial reservation is that the movie seems to present a fairly straightforward narrative of female empowerment through sexual liberation and discovery, eschewing some of the openendedness of the novel. But I could be wrong.

I was looking forward to this, but not since I read a few days ago it's been cut for the UK release, so I'm going to wait until it's out to stream (Easter?) when the full version may be available.

From what I understand it’s a tiny change anyway, to ‘one short scene depicting sexual activity in the presence of children’.

Saw this yesterday. Thought it was excellent, one of the best films of the last year.
Great acting from all concerned, but especially Emma Stone. Very funny but also a slightly uncomfortable watch at times. Cinematography was amazing including the colour palette they've managed to bring out.
We've got membership at our local cinema so will probably see it again, something I very rarely do.

I just watched the movie which had so many metaphors and underlying trauma, wins and losses of growing up. For me it was about childhood, how we're raised into adulthood, the things that we really should be taught instead of finding out the hard way in the journey of adolescence to becoming an adult. If we were raised by parents who truly wanted the best for us we could explore life with our minds open rather than struggle and juggle through. Our parents or guardians, whoever raised us, have so much to answer for, but in the same breath, maybe they didn't know better either. This is when I think that educational institutions could do better, provide life skills, mindfulness and emotional intelligence, that's what's really required, not algebra!! Powerful and brave performances and so much gleaned about people and life.

Loved her, the way it was filmed, the acting from everyone, the beautiful scenes.. didn't like all the mainly female nudity and older men desperate to take advantage of her, the brothel with all the old men and young girls 🤢

I went because I was at a loose end and didn't think I'd like it. I enjoyed it though. I really identified with Bella. I find I always struggle to understand people's intentions and what they really mean and she personified that. Lots of shagging though. Glad I didn't go so the my dad which was the original plan.

I can't wait to see it.

I enjoyed it but I think it was a touch too surreal and meandering for me. It's nothing like a Wes Anderson visually or plotwise, but actually the characters and deadpan dialogue are similar, and I'm not generally a fan.

This was my reaction too. It's a bit of a male cliche isn't it - the innocent / naive young thing who simply enjoys sex and so loves working as a prostutute. Consequently there is nothing to worry about from an ethical point of view because she's doing it of her own volition.

For that reason I didn't love it, though there are stand out performances by the three major actors. I loved the interiors too - would love to hear more about how it was filmed.

I read Lanark by Alistair Gray many (many!) years ago and loved it but remember also reading another novel by the author called 1982 Janine and loathing the way it wrote about sex and women.

I disliked it so much that I left part way through. Came on here to see what other people thought and am surprised that it seems to be liked.

Loved it. Saw it over Christmas at an early screening and this scene was in it.

There's still a scene with children but I suspect it was just shortened.

Saw it and quite like it but why why why why why do these women always end up as prostitutes ? Really can they not get any other job? I bet she could have been a maid or something but no she has to be shagged.

and where was her armpit arm ? All for the male gaze imo.

actors great, I loved the mark ruffalo character

but on the whole just tut really

I went yesterday and really did not like it. One group walked out part way through. I struggled to make it to the end. It was well acted though so can see it could do well at the Oscars.

Apparently in the original the children and adults were in the same shot so they had to re-edit it so it children and adults were shown separately. I can't see it make much difference myself, still a disturbing scene.

I only saw it yesterday and can't recall the scene you're talking about - was it in the brothel?

Yes - the dad and 2 sons.

Thought Emma Stone was amazing, and the set design and costumes were stunning. The Mark Ruffalo character was very funny but I wasnt a fan of his performance, I think there's lots of other actors who could have played that role better

Great to see Vicky Pepperdine as the housekeeper Mrs Primm ☺️ she's a wonderful actor who should be on our screens a lot more. Her role as Dr Pippa Moore in the brilliant sitcom Getting On is one of my favorite performances ever!

So all I could gather was a woman with a child's brain became a prostitute? Just reeked of sexual abuse of a vulnerable woman

There is more to discovering to being a woman than sex and one scene depicting her as a "socialist"

I saw it today and thought it was very, very good. The father/children scene was the only part that made me uncomfortable. Bella begins as the manipulated victim but turned it around to become the manipulator.

I didn't really understand why Godwin didn't try to make her stay though? He says there were feelings involved in his relationship with Bella, and he seemed to want control yet he let her leave. Perhaps he realised he couldn't control her after all.

I thought it was brilliant.

Lots of shagging/nudity but it is an 18!

Emma Stone is a true talent 💜

I thought it was a brilliant film. Surreal, wierd, funny and excellent acting.

I didn't really understand why Godwin didn't try to make her stay though? He says there were feelings involved in his relationship with Bella, and he seemed to want control yet he let her leave. Perhaps he realised he couldn't control her after all.
Because he listens to her and changes his mind.

Saw this last night and LOVED it. I thought the portrayal of men's entitlement when it comes to women and their sexuality was so beautifully examined and undermined. It felt like a very feminist message.
I understand some people would find the prostitution section uncomfortable but I saw it as a metaphor for the sex that so many of us have as young women, before we fully understand our agency.
It was all so visually gorgeous and funny, straight into my favourite films list.