There’s lots of anticipation in Yorgos Lanthimos Land because the director has not one, but two films on the way: hopefully both of them this year. No word on if that will happen, but now audiences know “Poor Things” will at least reach theaters this year. Searchlight Pictures has some first-look images from Lanthimos’ next feature, and they foretell a film as perplexing as spooky as anything the Greek director has made before.
READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2023
So what’s “Poor Things” about? Well, Lanthimos and actress Emma Stone join forces again to tell the tale of Bella Baxter, a young woman who falls under the tutelage of a scientist, but grows hungry to see the wider world and be a voice for its freedom.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Poor Things,” courtesy of Searchlight Pictures:
From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
As noted above, Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo star opposite Stone in “Poor Things.” The film also stars Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Jerrod Carmichael, Margaret Qualley, Suzy Bemba, Kathryn Hunter, and Wayne Brett.
Tony McNamara adapts Alasdair Gray‘s 1992 novel of the same name for Lanthimos’ latest.
With its September theatrical release, expect “Poor Things” to probably premiere at the Venice Film Festival this year, if not before. As for “And,” Lanthimos’ other upcoming film, that’s already in post-production, so maybe moviegoers will see both films before the year is out; only time will tell there. Take a look at first-look photos for “Poor Things” below.
