Feminism and sexuality in the film Poor Things

Abstract

In last year’s widely acclaimed movie Poor Things (2023, dir. Yorgos Lanthimos), the concept of feminism and womanhood is developed through the main female character Bella Baxter's quest for sexual freedom. Played by Emma Stone in an Oscar-winning performance, Bella must confront various societal norms through her journey to discover her own identity. The narrative skillfully weaves in different feminist ideas, portraying a woman seeking to know and express her sexuality in a society that attempts to limit women from expressing themselves sexually. Adapted from the 1992 novel by the late prolific Scottish novelist Alasdair Gray (Goldmann), the movie version shifts the focus to Bella (Welsh), instead of Max (known in the book as Archibald McCandless). The change of using Bella’s journey to frame is reflected in Lanthimos’ use of perspective with cinematic bright colors, Victorian gothic style, and beyond magical imaginative aspects which not only brings to life the stunning imagery but the dialogue is expertly written to mirror Bella's cognitive development that acts as a poignant commentary on the timeless struggle for women to have their independence and sexual freedom.