The Revolutionary Sexuality of Poor Things (2023)

This article analyzes the role of sex and sexual development in Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2023 film Poor Things by understanding it alongside the work of feminist scholar Gayle Rubin. The article considers how the film's specific vision of sexuality responds to the sexual conditions Rubin outlines in her essay, “Thinking Sex.” Drawing on Rubin's work, this article examines how Poor Things engages with and challenges contemporary social standards regarding sex. It argues that the film presents a vision of sexuality that transgresses patriarchal and heteronormative standards. The sexuality of the film’s protagonist, Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), is set against the social standards of its Victorian setting, as well as its frequent position outside of Rubin’s "charmed circle" of sex acts. This article frames Bella's willingness to discuss sexuality in opposition to Rubin’s concept of "sex negativity," the negative social status of sex. Lastly, the article considers sexuality as a means of producing power and agency for Bella as a woman.