Today we’re taking a look at director Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film, Poor Things. The film stars Emma Stone as a Victorian woman whose brain has been replaced with that of an unborn child. She embarks on a sexual journey of self-discovery to Europe and beyond. The film received 11 Oscar nominations and was critically acclaimed, but understandably left many viewers feeling uneasy. Lyra invites FT Art editor Jan Daly and her HTSI editor Jo Ellison to discuss this piece. Is it a powerful exploration of female sexual freedom or an uninspired male gaze fantasy?
——-
We look forward to hearing from you. Lila is on Instagram @lilahrap and we are at X@.life and art pod. You can email us at [email protected]. We appreciate your reviews on Apple, Spotify, etc.
——-
Links (all FT links can go past the paywall):
– poor thing Currently in theaters
– You can read our 3-star review on FT. poor thingfilm critic Danny Lee here: https://on.ft.com/480VjMg
– FT’s Raphael Abraham also writes a review poor thing – and gave it 5 stars: https://on.ft.com/49jGnKe
– The article we mentioned, including 14 critics’ perspectives on the film, can be found here: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/24/bound-gagged-poor-things -feminist-masterpiece-male-sex fantasy oscar emma stone ruffalo
– Joe is at X @joelison and Instagram @jellison22
More or less:
– Joe would like to see more of Harris Dickinson. iron claw (currently out of town), and love triangle of sadness
– Jean would like to see more funding for the arts and artists given more creative freedom.
– Lila wants better, more focused travel reviews and Oaxaca tips. (You can write to her on her Instagram)
——-
From 50% off digital subscriptions to $1/£1/€1 trials, special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners can be found here: http://ft.com/lifeandart
——-
The original song is by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breanne Turner and Sam Giovinco.Clip provided by: Searchlight
Read the transcript of this episode on FT.com
Check out our accessibility guide.