Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things is as trippy as it can be. After all, the movie isn't supposed to be taken seriously. With the crisscross between futuristic steampunk and the grim gothic era, viewers are wondering, when is the flick Poor Things set?
In this explainer article, we'll be taking a look at Poor Things and the movie's timeline.
Is Poor Things Based on a True Story?
Poor Things is not based on a true story, but it was adapted from Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel of the same title. This novel won the Costa Book Award and the Guardian Fiction Prize.
It's a reimagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein classic novel if Frankenstein's monster was female with a hunger to learn and be liberated.
When is Poor Things Set? Timeline Explored
Lanthimos is known for his twisted period settings. His previous work was The Favourite, which also starred Emma Stone. The Favourite is set in a twisted 18th century, while Poor Things doesn't have a clear-set timeline.
Except that it appears to be set in the 19th century.
While we see Emma Stone's Bella Baxter in black and white Victorian-esque clothing, the film later transforms into a vibrant and colorful steampunk theme.
In the trailer of Poor Things, Bella can be seen mindlessly walking around like a robot.
These series of events are captured in black and white to showcase that they were in the past. Bella also wears gothic clothing to show the period piece aspect of the film.
As she later starts to regain control over her movements and grow into her own identity, the film is no longer depicted in black and white. In fact, it's as vibrant as can be.
Part of this is due to Lanthimos' creative retelling of Bella's world and quest for liberation.
What is Poor Things' Story About?
As mentioned, Poor Things is a reimagined story of Frankenstein and his monster. Dr. Godwin Baxter (played by Willem Dafoe) revives Bella Baxter after her tragic death.
Her brain, however, is replaced by an infant. And because of this, Bella has to learn everything all over again. Dr. Godwin helps her in relearning the ways of life.
After a while, she starts to feel trapped and lost. This leads her to start exploring her life away from the doctor. She starts to explore the world with Duncan Wedderburn (played by Mark Ruffalo), only to find herself.
You can watch the trailer of Poor Things here:
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