What Is Poor Things About? All About Emma Stone's New Frankenstein-Inspired Film

Emma Stone discovers new life in Poor Things.

The Oscar winner plays Bella Baxter in the Yorgos Lanthimos-directed film, a woman given a clean slate via an experimental procedure from a mad scientist, after which she gradually discovers the wonders — and dangers — of the world.

Based on Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel of the same, the Frankenstein-esque fantasia film — which earned multiple 2024 Golden Globe nominations — was officially announced in February 2021. However, director Yorgos Lanthimos first discussed the project with Stone while filming The Favourite back in 2018.

Stone has been open about why she was drawn to the role of Bella, explaining that it "felt like acceptance of what it is to be a woman, to be free, to be scared and brave."

"She's understanding what it is to be a member of society," the actress added.

Costarring alongside Stone in the film is Mark Ruffalo, who plays Duncan Wedderburn, a debauched lawyer whom Bella runs off with to explore the world. The actor told PEOPLE how he and Stone prepped for their quirky scenes together in the movie.

“It started with about three weeks of rehearsal, which was just playing theater games, really, and goofing off and cutting up. [That] gave us the feeling of safety with each other and a feeling of fun," he explained.

Here's everything to know about Poor Things, including who's in the cast and when it premieres.

What is Poor Things about?

The official synopsis for Poor Things describes it as "the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Dafoe)."

The story follows Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman transplanted with an infant’s brain who launches on an odyssey of sexual and intellectual self-discovery. Reborn again, Bella is quickly prompted to seek freedom and explore the world at "an accelerated pace."

Written by Tony McNamara, the movie earned an R rating for "strong and pervasive sexual content, graphic nudity, disturbing material, gore and language." Director Lanthimos explained during a press conference at the New York Film Festival why the sex scenes in the film were key to Bella's journey.

"It was a very important part of her journey. We felt that we shouldn't shy away from it," he said. "It would feel very disingenuous to tell this story about this character who is so free and so open, and then be prude about the sexual aspect of it."

Bella's experimental procedure is performed by a mad scientist of sorts, Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). As the actor's character says in the trailer, Bella's "brain and her body are not quite synchronized," leading to some quirky moments as she awkwardly learns to wink and dances around.

Who's in the cast of Poor Things?

In addition to Stone as Bella Baxter, Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn and Dafoe as Dr. Goodwin Baxter, the cast of Poor Things is stacked with stars. Joining them are Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott and Margaret Qualley.

Dafoe, who described his character's relationship with Bella as "very complicated" in the film, praised his costars and the director for their work during a December 2023 screening.

“The best part was the world, the design of the place,” Dafoe shared. “The best part was working with Yorgos. He’s a beautiful director. The best part is working with Tony McNamara’s script. The best part is having the scenes with Emma.”

Director Lanthimos also complimented Stone, referencing their continued collaboration after having worked on 2018's The Favourite together. “I think we just get along... We just keep getting to know each other better and better, and we just build on that relationship," he said.

The cast earned various 2024 Golden Globe nominations, in addition to Poor Things' nod for best motion picture in the musical and comedy category. Stone earned a nomination for best performance by a female actor in a musical or comedy motion picture, while both Ruffalo and Dafoe earned nods for best performance by a male actor in a supporting role in any motion picture.

Lanthimos also earned a Golden Globe nomination for best director and McNamara nabbed a nod for best screenplay for Poor Things. Jerskin Fendrix earned a nomination for best original score.

Is there a Poor Things trailer?

Searchlight Pictures released the official trailer for Poor Things on June 8, 2023. The clip gives viewers a first look at Bella who is brought back from the dead by Dr. Goodwin Baxter.

In a trailer filled with odd imagery — Dafoe's character's "experiments" also seem to include a duck with the head of a French bulldog and a dog with a duck's head — Bella kisses the character played by Ruffalo, who appears to pine after her. He is later shown calling her name from the street before Bella is shown slapping him, leaving the character nearly speechless.

In a profile for The New York Times published in March 2023, the actors and Lanthimos opened up about the slap scene. Dafoe had his costar slap him in real life around 20 times to help make the action look more believable!

When does Poor Things premiere in theaters?

Poor Things had a limited theatrical release in the United States on Dec. 8, 2023. The film is scheduled for a wide release on Dec. 22, 2023.

Is Poor Things available to stream?

Poor Things is not available to stream, as it currently remains exclusive to theaters. Streaming details have yet to be announced.