‘Poor Things,’ a stunning multi-genre cinematic gem

Emma Stone as the movie’s protagonist, Bella Baxter. | PHOTOGRAPH Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

A month after Poor Things won the 2024 Golden Globe Best Film (musical or comedy) and was nominated in the Best Picture category at the forthcoming Oscars, the multi-genre cinematic gem had its Philippine theatrical premiere ahead of the local release on 14 February.

The premiere, held at Cinema 3 of Greenbelt 3 mall in Makati City, attracted a full crowd eager to watch the film adaptation of Scottish writer and artist Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same title. Poor Things’ director Yorgos Lanthimos, with screenplay by Tony McNamara, made a stunning recreation of protagonist Bella Baxter’s “incredible and fantastical evolution” set in what looks like a futuristic version of Victorian London.

Allie Benedicto, marketing director at The Walt Disney Company, attended the theatrical premiere of ‘Poor Things.’

After Bella (Emma Stone), a mysterious young woman, is brought back to life and raised by the unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), she develops an insatiable desire to learn and break out of her shell. She then meets Godwin’s worldly lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), with whom she runs off for an adventure across Europe and, briefly, Northern Africa. What happens next is Bella’s personal journey in finding “her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.”

Stone’s portrayal of Bella is a tour de force worthy of her best actress award from the Golden Globes (musical or comedy) and British Academy Film Awards (in a leading role). She’s also a strong contender in the Oscars, which will have its awards ceremony on 10 March in Hollywood, USA. The film, which Stone and Lanthimos co-produced with Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, is up for a total of 11 Oscar nominations.

Event attendees included Hoest, a DJ and music producer, along with Stevie Eigenmann, a content creator. | PHOTOGRAPHS Courtesy of Ayala Malls Cinemas

Released by Searchlight Pictures, Poor Things is currently playing in Philippine theaters, including Ayala Malls Cinemas, such as Greenbelt 3. Ayala Malls Cinemas offer an upgraded moviegoing experience with top-notch image quality and immersive surround features. Members of Ayala Malls Zing Plus rewards club even get extra perks as they can score Zing points on movie tickets. This promotion is valid until 30 June. You can purchase your ticket at all Ayala Malls Cinemas and through the Ayala Malls Zing app and SureSeats.com.