# Poor Things - movie. Open spoilers after first post **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [January 21, 2024, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425 "2024-01-21T04:12:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/21 "2024-01-24T01:10:20Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > into the sexual playthings of men I’m less sure that’s what I saw. What I saw was that she was looking for her own sexual playthings and finished her time in the bordello having created a circumstance in which that could occur, maybe best illustrated with the directive to man to tell her a story then she would tell a joke (cheese to meet you) and then check that he smelled okay and proceed in an enjoyable fashion. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/22 "2024-01-24T02:58:51Z")
To me, it had a fairly strong Joss Whedon vibe. I.e., it’s not a story so much about women as it is a story about an author’s fantasy concept of women and the world. Bella is a bit less of a female Errol Flynn than a Whedon character but otherwise, she’s pretty similar. Prostitution doesn’t involve STDs, pregnancy (unless desired), nor rape and she’s totally into bondage with unknown men. 🤔 Visually, the film was pretty good. But in terms of the story, it came across too much as a weeaboo fantasy for me to take as seriously as it wanted me to. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/23 "2024-01-25T21:29:16Z")
I saw it this afternoon. I liked it, but I don’t know a single person to whom I would recommend it. > [@Mops](#): > > To the movie audience there is no sense of elapsed time in Bella’s development. When we first encounter her she is (the brain of) a toddler in an adult woman’s body. That body does not age discernibly during the story. I disagree. Bella’s body did not physically age, but her movements and her mobility most certainly matured as time went by. Quite a physical performance by Emma Stone. My favorite character may be the older woman on the cruise ship - I can’t figure out her name - who was nearly tossed overboard. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Mops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mops/32/16494_2.png) [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2024, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/24 "2024-01-26T12:10:38Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > … > My favorite character may be the older woman on the cruise ship - I can’t figure out her name - who was nearly tossed overboard. That was Martha von Kurtzroc (Hanna Schygulla) ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2024, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/25 "2024-02-03T22:33:14Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Bella’s body did not physically age, but her movements and her mobility most certainly matured as time went by. IIRC Godwin said early on that her mental development was accelerated. I am not sure how much time elapses in the movie but I’d guess a couple years. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2024, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/26 "2024-02-03T23:27:17Z")
I haven’t seen it mostly because the trailer and pre-release talk made me skeptical. This thread confirms. A movie written by a man, based on a book written by a man, directed by a man, about a thin attractive woman who begins the story in a place of innocence, and discovers that sex is liberating and one of her favorite things, and is dtf lots of people in lots of ways on her quest to understand herself and the world. But she totally does it on her terms, because female empowerment! ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/27 "2024-02-04T00:04:39Z")
I didn’t realize filmmakers can only make movies about characters exactly like themselves. Don’t know why one person’s poor review “confirms” anything about this film. There are also hundreds of reviewers calling it one of the best films of the year. But I guess cause JohnT hated it, that confirms it’s crap. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/28 "2024-02-04T00:08:46Z")
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 Appeal to popularity/authority, much? The fact that it is crap confirms it is crap. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/29 "2024-02-04T01:03:28Z")
Appeal to popularity/authority is kinda how we judge these things. How do art museums decide on what to put in their collection? Certainly, no one has to like something because others say it is good or worthwhile. There are movies and art that are well regarded that I do not like but I am not sure I would say they are “crap” either. FWIW: This movie has (so far) gotten [184 nominations and 51 wins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accolades_received_by_Poor_Things_(film)) from various award agencies. That suggests it is not crap but, rather, that you do not like it (which is 100% fine). Personally, I am not sure where this movie sits with me. Certainly not crap. But, it is very weird and kinda hard to watch (which can be good but I am not sure about this one). I am very happy to see some movie making that is out there and trying to be different rather than the never ending fast food that are Marvel movies and romcoms (to be fair, I like those too usually). This movie is certainly not for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/30 "2024-02-04T01:35:58Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > it is very weird and kinda hard to watch I loved it and agree completely. Definitely not for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/31 "2024-02-04T02:31:57Z")
I saw it 4 days ago. I think I like it more now than I did as I was watching it. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/32 "2024-02-04T02:33:25Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > I saw it 4 days ago. > > I think I like it more now than I did as I was watching it. I saw it last night but I agree…it is kinda growing on me over time. ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/33 "2024-02-04T02:57:58Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > I think I like it more now than I did as I was watching it. My appreciation of Emma Stone’s performance grows as I reflect on her overall arc in the film. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/34 "2024-02-04T04:54:01Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > I didn’t realize filmmakers can only make movies about characters exactly like themselves. Good thing literally no one said that. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/35 "2024-02-04T05:01:09Z")
As an aside, is it just me or does it seem like Willem Dafoe looks the same now as he did in Platoon over 35 years ago (ignoring makeup)? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/36 "2024-02-04T05:15:28Z")
No. And is completely okay for you to decide, based on a trailer and some MB comments that you have no interest in a particular movie. You have lots of choices of what to see and should watch what you think you will enjoy. Again, this is not a safe rehash remake redo or extension of a known property; it is something definitely … different. It is not Barbie. It _won’t_ appeal to everyone and as much as I loved it I am personally surprised that so many of the award givers and critics did. I can understand those who have seen it having strong feelings of dislike as much as I feel strongly about it positively. Some of us love licorice; some hate licorice; few are neutral. This movie is much like that. What is a bit much is for someone who has not seen it to have a strong opinion about it, based mostly on the fact that men are writing and directing the strong yes strong roles for women. And an opinion on a MB that “confirms” their suspicion about it. Have you gone ahead and review bombed it on Rotten Tomatoes? ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/37 "2024-02-04T05:28:28Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > I can understand those who have seen it having strong feelings of dislike as much as I feel strongly about it positively. There’s at least [one woman who agrees with you](https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/15/entertainment/emma-stone-poor-things/index.html): > “I love every aspect of her,” Stone said of Bella. “The idea of a woman starting from scratch and being in love with all things that happen in life – the good and the bad. That she’s so fascinated by everything and hungry for experience, I think was really inspiring.” ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/38 "2024-02-04T05:33:46Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > …I am personally surprised that so many of the award givers and critics did. I am too but, I will say, this is a movie that stays with you after you watched it. So many movies are easily forgettable. Love it or hate it, you will not forget this one. And, while I only saw it about 24 hours ago, I find I am thinking I like it better as I think about it over time (I’m still on that journey). YMMV of course. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/39 "2024-02-04T11:59:00Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > What is a bit much is for someone who has not seen it to have a strong opinion about it, based mostly on the fact that men are writing and directing the strong yes strong roles for women. This is also my reaction to @Eonwe’s “review” of the movie. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425/40 "2024-02-04T15:28:20Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > No. And is completely okay for you to decide, based on a trailer and some MB comments that you have no interest in a particular movie. You have lots of choices of what to see and should watch what you think you will enjoy. … and yet, I’m immediately getting straw man arguments about my reasoning for why I am unlikely to see the film. > [@DSeid](#): > > Again, this is not a safe rehash remake redo or extension of a known property; it is something definitely … different. It is not Barbie. And implications that my opinion is based on the fact that I must be an unsophisticated consumer of art, who is only happy in my comfort zone. > [@DSeid](#): > > What is a bit much is for someone who has not seen it to have a strong opinion about it I have a strong opinion about why I am unlikely to see it, in part because I have yet to see serious discussion addressing the fraught context of a sexualized and empowered woman written by and for the male gaze. I don’t think it’s a “bad” movie (haven’t seen it) or that it shouldn’t have been made, or that you can’t like it. It’s great that you like it. Maybe it’s a great movie. Maybe I would like it. But the dismissiveness and defensiveness with which you and others seem to be responding to even the suggestion that there’s even something worth being critical (as in analytical) about wrt men putting sexy women having sex on screen continues to give me the impression that this is not a movie for me. > [@DSeid](#): > > Have you gone ahead and review bombed it on Rotten Tomatoes? Ah, so my opinion is just “a bit much”, but being an asshole in CS is perfectly called for? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-things-movie-open-spoilers-after-first-post/996425.md?page=3)