Movie review
December 7, 2023 · 141 min · R
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Poor Things (2023) is a darkly comedic science fiction romance directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. It follows Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life with the brain of an unborn child in an adult body, as she rapidly learns language, explores sexuality, travels the world, and rejects attempts by men to control or own her. The narrative centers on her journey toward sexual liberation, personal autonomy, and a stated purpose of standing for equality and freedom from the prejudices and constraints of her time, presented through absurdist comedy and fantastical Victorian-era visuals.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Poor Things.
Woke representation / casting
Period-appropriate casting with natural international supporting actors for travel scenes; no audience-visible diversity quotas, race/gender swaps, or mismatched signaling.
Woke political dialogue
Brief encounters with socialist ideas and critiques of societal structures occur, but the story stays focused on personal comedy and individual growth rather than extended ideological speeches.
Identity-driven story themes
The central plot follows Bella’s sexual awakening, rejection of male control, and embrace of bodily autonomy and equality as her defining purpose; this forms the most visible thematic engine and is hard for viewers to miss.
Western institutional / cultural critique
The film satirizes Victorian patriarchal control, male entitlement, and class/power imbalances through Bella’s experiences, with minor notes on financial structures; it stays historical and personal rather than applying modern activist framing to current institutions.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some critics and viewers pushed back against the feminist label as inauthentic or voyeuristic, and explicit content drew discomfort; however, there was no widespread right-leaning campaign accusing the film of pushing DEI, identity politics, or left-wing propaganda—reception remained largely positive with awards success.
Creator track record context
Lanthimos and McNamara have prior satirical work on gender and power (The Favourite) without activist or identity-politics focus; Gray’s novel carries socialist themes; the overall team shows moderate interest in liberation stories rather than sustained modern activism.
Production
