Okay, let’s talk about Poor Things—the film that’s been making waves for all the right reasons. You know the one, right? Dark humor, twisted characters, and a whole lot of eccentricity. But what really takes the cake are the performances by the Poor Things Cast. Seriously, I’m not kidding. These actors are out here doing things that make you question your life choices. Trust me, once you see it, you’ll be hooked. So, let’s dive into who’s who in this wild film.
The Director’s Vision
Before we get into the juicy bits of the Poor Things Cast, let’s chat about the man behind the curtain—Yorgos Lanthimos. If you don’t know him by name, you’ve probably seen The Favourite or The Lobster. This guy has a style that’s equal parts bizarre and brilliant. When it came to casting, he didn’t just pick people; he hand-selected actors who could embody his weird, yet deeply human, characters. The result? A cast that practically bends reality.
Fast forward past the movie’s strange aesthetics and bizarre plots, and you’ll see that the magic lies in the cast. Let me introduce you to them…
Emma Stone as Bella Baxter
The Heart of the Movie
Look, I’m not saying Emma Stone was born to play Bella, but… okay, I’m totally saying that. She absolutely nails it. Bella Baxter is one of those characters who starts off completely confused, gets thrust into this insane world, and slowly, gradually, figures it out. Emma’s ability to portray vulnerability and strength at the same time is just… chef’s kiss.
Here’s why I’m obsessed:
- She balances cute, clueless Bella with moments of strength and clarity. I mean, talk about range.
- Watching her face in certain scenes? You feel everything—sometimes I feel like I need therapy after.
- The reunion with Yorgos Lanthimos after The Favourite? It’s like watching two artists go at it. Pure magic.
Honestly, I was never sure I’d be able to get behind such a fantastical role, but Emma Stone’s performance made me a believer. If she doesn’t get at least one award for this, I’ll be shocked.
Willem Dafoe as Dr. Godwin Baxter
The Mad Scientist Vibes
Willem Dafoe in this role is everything. If you think you know what kind of character he’s playing—well, surprise, you don’t. Dr. Godwin Baxter is an unpredictable, obsessed scientist with a very questionable moral compass. He’s got that classic Dafoe intensity, but there’s something about him in this role that just feels…next level.
Here’s the thing—Dafoe doesn’t just play a mad scientist. Oh no. He becomes one.
- The prosthetics? Yep, they help, but it’s all in the eyes. When he’s on screen, you’re like, “Can I trust this guy? Probably not.”
- His range is insane: One moment, you’re uncomfortable; the next, you feel a weird empathy for the guy. It’s like emotional whiplash, but in a good way.
I don’t care how many villains Dafoe plays in his career—Poor Things is gonna be one of his iconic roles, hands down.
Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn
The Lawyer Who’s… Something Else
Let’s talk about Mark Ruffalo for a second. In Poor Things, he plays Duncan Wedderburn, a lawyer who’s… let’s just say, a little morally complicated. He’s this charming, chaotic guy who ropes Bella into his weird, eccentric world. Ruffalo brings this amazing energy to the character that makes you both laugh and cringe at the same time. You can’t quite decide if you love him or hate him—kind of like that guy who shows up to a party uninvited, but somehow makes it better.
Why I’m loving Ruffalo’s role:
- The comic timing is perfect. One minute, he’s cracking jokes; the next, you’re like, “Wait, was that dark humor?”
- He’s got that charismatic “I’m-better-than-you-but-still-somehow-lovable” vibe.
- It’s like watching someone walk a tightrope between charm and disaster—and he pulls it off every time.
I mean, if you told me Ruffalo was gonna give me a performance like this, I’d have laughed it off. But he nailed it.
Ramy Youssef as Max McCandles
The “Normal” One (Sorta)
Okay, now we have Ramy Youssef as Max McCandles. Honestly? His role is the calm before the storm. He’s a medical student who ends up getting tangled up in all the crazy Bella drama. You might think he’s just there to be the straight man (no, not in that way—get your mind out of the gutter), but Ramy’s performance brings this warmth and sincerity to the film.
What makes him stand out:
- He’s the one character that feels like someone you could trust. Which, in this movie, is actually kind of refreshing.
- There’s this subtle emotional depth that sneaks up on you. One minute, he’s helping Bella; the next, you’re wondering, “Wait, what does he really want?”
- It’s like watching the movie from a sane person’s perspective (for a hot second, anyway).
Ramy Youssef brings this grounded energy that balances out all the madness around him. I swear, if I were stuck in a wacky situation like Bella’s, I’d want someone like Max by my side.
Jerrod Carmichael as Harry Astley
The Unsung Hero
Jerrod Carmichael’s role as Harry Astley is small but mighty. He doesn’t have a ton of screen time, but what he does with it? Pure gold. His character adds a bit of needed humor and wit in between all the chaos. And his dry delivery? Chef’s kiss.
What I like about Carmichael in this role:
- He’s got this deadpan humor that makes everything he says feel like a punchline. Even when he’s not trying.
- He brings some realism to this surreal world. Someone’s gotta make sense of all this madness, right?
- You get the feeling that, in another world, Harry could be the one solving the problems, but in this one? He’s just along for the ride.
You could say his role is kind of like that one friend who doesn’t talk much, but when they do? Everyone listens.
Minor Characters Who Make a Big Impact
There are a few supporting actors in the Poor Things Cast who might not get the spotlight, but trust me, they still make waves.
Here are some you can’t miss:
- Vicki Pepperdine as Mrs. Prim: Think of her like the embodiment of the stuffy, judgmental society. She’s that character you just love to hate.
- Kathryn Hunter as Madame Swiney: This one’s a bit unsettling. She’s a character you’ll either want to run away from or have a deep, weird conversation with.
- Tom Stourton as Alfie Blessington: The comic relief you didn’t know you needed, but now you’re hooked.
Even these lesser-known actors add a special touch to the Poor Things Cast, creating a weird but wonderful tapestry.
Why the Cast Works
Alright, I’ve rambled on long enough, but here’s the thing. The Poor Things Cast works because they’re a perfect mix of chaos, humor, and depth. They’ve got that balance down to an art, and you can’t help but get sucked into the weird world they’re building.
Why does it work so well?
- There’s a solid mix of familiar faces and newbies—it keeps things fresh.
- The chemistry is wild. You can feel the characters bouncing off each other in all sorts of unpredictable ways.
- Yorgos Lanthimos knows exactly what he’s doing, and these actors? They trust him to push them to the edge.
Long story short: The cast is everything. Without them, Poor Things would just be… well, weird. But with them? It’s art. Period.
The Takeaway
Here’s the kicker: Poor Things isn’t just about a twisted plot or some funky costumes (although, let’s be real, they’ve got some pretty wild looks). It’s about these actors—each of them bringing their A-game to create a world that’s as messed up as it is magical. And honestly? I can’t wait to see what they do next.
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