Poor Things (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Poor Things is set primarily in Victorian London, where the story begins, before expanding to include Lisbon, Alexandria, Marseille, and Paris. Each location represents a different stage in Bella's journey toward independence and self-discovery.

Foreshadowing: The ominous streets of Victorian London establish the dark, industrial world that Bella is brought back into.

• setting
• locations
• Victorian London
• Lisbon
• Alexandria
• Marseille
• Paris

Poor Things is set during the Victorian Era, a period defined by rapid industrialization, strict social norms, and significant class disparities. This historical context shapes the societal expectations Bella must navigate as she discovers herself.

• Victorian Era
• time period
• 19th century
• historical setting

The main theme of Poor Things is identity, as Bella grapples with her rebirth and the loss of her past while forging a new sense of self. Her journey reflects a quest for autonomy and a deeper understanding of who she truly is beyond her tragic origins.

• identity
• theme
• self-discovery
• autonomy

Poor Things explores identity through Bella's transformation from a childlike resurrection subject to an independent woman. The film suggests that identity is not fixed but actively constructed through experience, choice, and the rejection of societal constraints placed upon us by others.

• identity
• character development
• self-awareness
• personal growth

The science and ethics theme examines Dr. Godwin Baxter's decision to resurrect Bella through unconventional medical experimentation. The film raises questions about the morality of playing God, the responsibilities of scientific creation, and whether scientific advancement justifies crossing ethical boundaries.

• science
• ethics
• Godwin Baxter
• experimentation
• morality

Bella Baxter is a young woman resurrected by Dr. Godwin Baxter through an unconventional medical procedure. Initially childlike in her understanding of the world, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, evolving from innocence to independence as she challenges societal norms and seeks her own purpose.

• Bella Baxter
• protagonist
• character
• Emma Stone

Godwin Baxter is the unconventional surgeon who resurrects Bella and serves as her creator and mentor. He defies conventional medical ethics to bring her back to life, embodying a mix of paternal care and scientific ambition that shapes Bella's new existence.

• Godwin Baxter
• creator
• surgeon
• Willem Dafoe

Duncan Wedderburn is a lawyer who enters into a passionate relationship with Bella but whose obsession turns to manipulation as her intellect grows. He represents the conflict between desire and control, ultimately unable to accept Bella's independence and autonomy.

• Duncan Wedderburn
• lawyer
• Mark Ruffalo
• relationship

Bella travels through several cities: Victorian London where she is resurrected, Lisbon where she embraces freedom and romance, Alexandria where she faces hardship, and finally Marseille and Paris where she achieves independence. Each location marks a pivotal point in her transformation.

• travel
• journey
• cities
• Bella's adventure
• locations

The love and betrayal theme explores Bella's relationships with Duncan and her past connection to Alfie. As Bella seeks independence, her initial infatuation with Duncan evolves into emotional turmoil, revealing how love can both uplift and ensnare, ultimately shaping her choices and freedom.

• love
• betrayal
• relationships
• romance
• emotional journey

Bella was a young woman who died, likely by suicide, before being resurrected by Dr. Godwin Baxter through his experimental procedure. She has no memory of her past life, giving her the opportunity to create a completely new identity while confronting the mystery of who she was before.

• Bella backstory
• resurrection
• past
• origin
• memory