First things first, I’ve heard from a few sources that Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” is going to Cannes. You can put it in the bank. I have no idea why it’s been delayed for this long, but at least we now know where it’ll be having its world premiere.
Now we know the film has definitely been completed since it just garnered an official MPAA rating. The verdict is in: Rated R for strong and pervasive sexual content, graphic nudity, disturbing material, gore, and language.
If I wasn’t any more amped up for this film, then this rating only increases my excitement. It’s not a Lanthimos film without some shocking content.
The film, starring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, and inspired by “Frankenstein,” wrapped production in late fall of 2021. It’s been a long time coming. Why was “Poor Things” delayed for this long? My best guess is that it’s probably a combination of Searchlight having had too many 2022 movies and post-production visual effects taking a lengthy time to complete.
Lanthimos actually has two new movies in the can this year, the other one is titled “AND, which has a few “Poor Things” actors in it, including Stone. I’m hearing that one will be doing the fall fests.
Searchlight will have to decide how they’ll market these two Lanthimos films. Which stands the best chance at awards? A Cannes debut for “Poor Things” surely means it’s the better of the two? Who knows.
If you remember, Lanthimos’ last film, 2018’s “The Favorite,” was an absolute success with Oscar, critics and audiences.