Poor Things Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Release Date and More
by Mathelene
Updated Feb 01, 2024
Poor Things
"Poor Things" is a 2023 black comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Tony McNamara. Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael, the movie is based on Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel.
The story revolves around Bella Baxter, a young woman in Victorian London who, after her suicide, is resurrected by a scientist. Bella then embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sexual liberation. The film premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023, where it received the prestigious Golden Lion award.
It was later released in the United States on December 8, 2023, and in Ireland and the United Kingdom on January 12, 2024, by Searchlight Pictures. Recognized as one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review, "Poor Things" has earned $51 million globally.
The movie garnered 11 nominations at the 77th British Academy Film Awards and the 96th Academy Awards, including Best Film and Best Picture. Additionally, it secured two Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, awarded to Emma Stone.
Poor Things Ending Explained
"Poor Things" concludes with Emma Stone's character, Bella Baxter, finding an unconventional happily ever after. After escaping Alfie Blessington's control and rejecting Max at the altar, Bella returns home. With Godwin, the scientist who created her, now deceased, Bella performs her first experiment by swapping Alfie's brain with a goat's.
Living with Max, Felicity, the woman experimented on by Godwin, and her friend Toinette at Godwin's estate, Bella embraces her newfound freedom. Bella's decision to become a doctor symbolizes her desire to make a positive impact on the world and continue Godwin's work.
The film explores Godwin's complex motivations for creating Bella, driven not only by scientific curiosity but also by loneliness and a need for companionship. The storyline deviates from Alasdair Gray's book, introducing crucial changes while retaining the core narrative.
As a satirical response to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, "Poor Things" delves into themes of existence, death, feminism, and identity. Bella's experiences as a woman navigating a society where men attempt to manipulate her add depth to the film's exploration of societal norms and inequalities. Ultimately, "Poor Things" offers a unique and thought-provoking conclusion to Bella's journey.
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Poor Things Release Date
"Poor Things" premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023, and was also showcased at various other film festivals, including Telluride, New York, London, Busan, and Sitges. The film had its limited release in the United States on December 8, 2023, by Searchlight Pictures, followed by a wide release starting on January 19, 2024.
It reached audiences in the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 12, 2024. Originally scheduled for release on September 8, 2023, the film faced a delay to its December release due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Throughout its festival run, "Poor Things" gained attention and acclaim, building anticipation for its official release.
The delayed release allowed the film to navigate challenges related to the strike and ensured a widespread availability for audiences to experience the unique and intriguing story brought to life by director Yorgos Lanthimos and the talented cast.
Poor Things Plot
In Victorian London, medical student Max works with the strange surgeon, Godwin Baxter, and falls in love with Bella, Godwin's ward. Bella, once pregnant, died by jumping off a bridge. Godwin revived her by putting her unborn baby's brain in her, making her childlike.
Max proposes, and Bella agrees, but as she gets smarter, she wants to explore the world. She runs away with a lawyer, Duncan, starting a journey that includes Lisbon, a cruise, and Paris. In Marseille, Bella works in a brothel after leaving Duncan. She befriends Toinette and learns about socialism.
Meanwhile, Godwin, sick, asks Max to find Bella. Max locates her in London, and she reconciles with Godwin, planning to marry Max. However, at the wedding, Duncan and General Blessington interrupt. Blessington claims Bella, known as Victoria, is his wife.
Bella, curious about her past, discovers Blessington's violent nature and escapes him. Blessington traps Bella in his mansion, threatening her. She resists, and he shoots himself. Godwin peacefully dies. Bella, Max, and Toinette decide to continue Godwin's work. Bella performs an experiment on Blessington by transplanting a goat's brain into his head.
Poor Things Cast
Emma Stone
Bella Baxter / Victoria Blessington
Mark Ruffalo
Duncan Wedderburn
Willem Dafoe
Dr. Godwin "God" Baxter
Ramy Youssef
Max McCandles
Christopher Abbott
Alfie Blessington
Kathryn Hunter
Madame Swiney
Jerrod Carmichael
Harry Astley
Hanna Schygulla
Martha von Kurtzroc
Margaret Qualley
Felicity
Vicki Pepperdine
Mrs. Prim
Suzy Bemba [fr]
Toinette
Keeley Forsyth
Alison the Maid
John Locke
David the Butler
Kate Handford
Kitty
Owen Good
Gerald
Damien Bonnard
Father
Tom Stourton
Steward
Wayne Brett
Priest
Carminho
Fado Singing Woman
Jerskin Fendrix
Lisbon Restaurant Musician
Cast
Character
Poor Things Where to Watch
As of now, the film can be seen in theaters or acquired through digital purchase, but for those eagerly awaiting its streaming release, staying tuned to Disney+ in the UK and Hulu in the US will be the way to go. The movie is not available on Netflix at present.
Poor Things is showing in US theaters and has been in UK cinemas since January 12, 2024. "Poor Things" was announced in February 2021. The director, Lanthimos, liked working with the actress Emma Stone again because they trusted each other a lot. Stone talked about how making "Poor Things" was different from "The Favourite," another movie they did together. '
This time, Stone was not just acting, but also helping to produce the movie. She found it interesting to help with different parts of making the movie, like choosing actors and other important team members. Stone was really involved in this, especially because they started during the pandemic. They had to do a lot of work like casting while staying in one place, since they couldn't travel.
Poor Things Trailer
Poor Things Ending Explained - FAQs
"Poor Things" premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023.
The film won the Golden Lion at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.
The film had a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 8, 2023, followed by a wide release on January 19, 2024.
It was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 12, 2024.
The release date was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.