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Comedy drama

Poor Things (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Poor Things (2023) movie poster

Poor Things is a 2023 comedy drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Willem Dafoe as Godwin Baxter, Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo. It is based on Poor Things by Alasdair Gray. It runs 2 hours 21 minutes and earned $117.6 million worldwide on a $35 million budget. It won 4 Oscars, including Actress in a Leading Role and Costume Design, and 11 awards in all. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
worldwide gross
$117.6M
Oscars won
4
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Poor Things (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 21m (141 min)
Director
Yorgos Lanthimos
Genres
Comedy , Drama , Romance , Sci-Fi
Original language
English
Budget
$35M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Poor Things About?

The premise of Poor Things without spoilers, adapted from Poor Things by Alasdair Gray. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Following the unconventional experiment of a brilliant scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter, a young woman named Bella is brought back to life. Eager to learn and experience everything the world has to offer, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, initially guided by her creator. However, her curiosity leads her to a passionate and reckless lawyer, Duncan Wedderburn, and a whirlwind adventure filled with romance, unexpected discoveries, and a challenging exploration of life's possibilities.

Poor Things Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • surrealism
  • scientist
  • based on novel
  • female protagonist
  • brothel
  • lisbon portugal
  • animal cruelty
  • female sexual awakening
  • female full frontal nudity
  • female topless nudity
  • female masturbation
  • female prostitute
+38 more
  • male full frontal nudity
  • female pubic hair
  • female nudity
  • female frontal nudity
  • masturbation
  • killing an animal
  • reanimated child like woman
  • toxic masculinity
  • lust
  • jealousy
  • trimmed bush
  • masturbating with food
  • sex with a prostitute
  • love
  • strong sexual content
  • animal abuse
  • london england
  • surgery
  • dead animal
  • female star appears nude
  • pubic hair
  • male frontal nudity
  • dark comedy
  • lesbian cunnilingus
  • child like fixation masturbation
  • surgeon
  • fiance fiancee relationship
  • surgically altered animal
  • jumping off a bridge
  • suicide by jumping off a bridge
  • lesbian sex
  • independent film
  • 19th century
  • cruise ship
  • bisexual woman
  • death of a pregnant woman
  • steampunk sci fi
  • female body brutality
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Cast & crew

Poor Things Cast & Characters

Willem Dafoe leads the cast as Godwin Baxter, with Emma Stone as Bella Baxter and Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Poor Things

· 16 more
Ratings

Poor Things Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Poor Things 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (65).

81 /100

Poor Things Echo Score Breakdown

Poor Things stands out for its daring visual ambition and commanding central performance, yielding a largely positive reception despite a divided response to its themes. Critics and viewers praise the inventive direction and production design while some find the narrative pace uneven or provocative in its portrayal of Bella’s development. The mix of dark humor, political subtext, and emotional moments creates a distinct cinematic identity. Overall, it leaves a lasting impression as an unconventional work that many will find both challenging and rewarding.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels with meticulous production design and striking cinematography that marry German expressionism and steampunk flourishes. The use of vibrant color against stark black-and-white sequences underscores the director’s measured visual choices. While a few viewers noted that certain set pieces feel self-indulgent, most commend the bold execution and cohesive aesthetic. The net effect is a richly textured world that amplifies the story’s eccentricity.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, Emma Stone’s transformative performance anchors the film with depth and charisma. Supporting work by Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo adds intrigue and warmth through nuanced monologues and playful exchanges. The central dynamic conveys Bella’s evolution from innocence to autonomy, creating genuine emotional resonance for many viewers. Some find the premise unsettling, but the overall portrayal achieves a compelling balance between whimsy and dramatic weight.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Regarding story and flow, the film offers an original satire that combines philosophical themes with dark comedy, engaging audiences drawn to unconventional narratives. The pacing alternates between lively set-piece episodes and slower character moments, which some viewers find uneven or meandering. A handful of critics felt the plot lost momentum in its midpoint, while others appreciated its allegorical depth. On balance, the story’s inventive core holds interest, though its coherence and forward drive divide opinion.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    In the realm of sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack and sound design enhance its surreal tone with dynamic musical cues and precise audio textures. The creative use of lenses, from fisheye distortions to painterly compositions, contributes to an immersive sensory palette. Spectators frequently highlight the score’s ability to underscore both comedic beats and unsettling scenes. Overall, the cohesive interplay of visuals and sound delivers a vivid, emotionally charged atmosphere that heightens viewer engagement.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    As for rewatch value, the film’s imaginative world and thematic complexity invite repeated viewings for those intrigued by its stylistic innovations. Viewers can discover new layers in its political critique and character evolution, reinforcing its lasting appeal. However, the film’s provocative premise and uneven pacing may limit enjoyment for some audiences on subsequent watches. Ultimately, it offers substantial rewards for fans of bold, thought-provoking cinema, even if its novelty lessens slightly over time.

Plot

Poor Things Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Poor Things from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In Victorian London, an ambitious medical student named Max McCandles finds himself working closely with the unconventional surgeon, Godwin Baxter. During his time at the clinic, he becomes infatuated with the enchanting, yet childlike, young woman named Bella, who is under Godwin’s care. Godwin reveals a shocking secret: Bella was once pregnant but tragically took her own life by jumping off a bridge. In an audacious medical experiment, Godwin brought Bella back to life, replacing parts of her brain with that of an infant. This astonishing procedure leaves Bella with no memories of her past, forcing her to navigate the complexities of life once again.

Full summary

The whole story of Poor Things, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Poor Things Box Office & Budget

Poor Things grossed $117.6 million worldwide on a $35 million budget, 3.4 times what it cost. $34.6 million came from the US and Canada and $83.1 million (71%) from the rest of the world.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$117.6M

3.4× its budget

US & Canada
$34.6M
International
$83.1M
Budget
$35M
US & Canada 29% Rest of the world 71%
Awards

Poor Things Awards & Nominations

Poor Things won 4 Oscars, including Actress in a Leading Role and Costume Design, and 11 awards in all. Its biggest night was the BAFTA 2024, with 5 wins from 11 nominations.

11 wins46 nominations8 ceremonies

Show all 8 ceremonies
Videos

Poor Things Trailers & Videos

41 videos: 3 trailers, 5 teasers, 8 clips, 20 featurettes and 5 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 41 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Extended Look Trailer
  • Trailer New Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser
  • Teaser I Am Bella Baxter
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Poor Things?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the scientist that reanimates Bella?

Details

Poor Things Also Known As

35 alternative titles, including “Бідолахи” and “푸어 띵스”.

Also known as
  • Бідолахи
  • 푸어 띵스
  • Бедные-несчастные
  • كائنات مسكينة
  • Vaesekesed
  • Zavallılar
  • 可憐的東西
  • Χαμένα Κορμιά
  • Biedne istoty
  • Pobres Criaturas
  • Τα Φτωχαδάκια
  • Καημένα Πλάσματα
+23 more
  • Sắc Dục Hồi Sinh
  • Povere Creature
  • Խեղճ Երևույթներ
  • 哀れなるものたち
  • Povere creature!
  • أشياء مسكينة
  • Pauvres créatures
  • 가여운 것들
  • מסכנים שכאלה
  • Szegény párák
  • Chudáčci
  • Chudiatko
  • 可怜的东西
  • Клети създания
  • Бідолашні створіння
  • Prasti reikalai
  • Nesrečna bitja
  • Јадна створења
  • Greyin
  • Sărmane creaturi
  • Uboga stvorenja, საცოდავები
  • بیچارگان
  • พัวร์ ธิงส์

Seen Poor Things?

FAQ

Poor Things FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Poor Things, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Poor Things?

Poor Things runs 2 hours 21 minutes (141 minutes).

When was Poor Things released?

Poor Things was released on December 8, 2023.

Who directed Poor Things?

Poor Things was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

More films by Yorgos Lanthimos

Who is in the cast of Poor Things?

Poor Things stars Willem Dafoe as Godwin Baxter, Emma Stone as Bella Baxter and Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Poor Things make at the box office?

Poor Things grossed $117.6 million worldwide ($34.6 million domestic, $83.1 million international) on a budget of $35 million.

How is Poor Things rated?

Poor Things has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 88 on Metacritic and 76% on TMDB.

Is Poor Things based on a book?

Yes. Poor Things is adapted from Poor Things by Alasdair Gray.

What awards did Poor Things win?

Poor Things won 11 awards from 46 nominations, including Best Actress in a Leading Role at the BAFTA 2024.

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