What Is the Poor Things Setting
The Poor Things setting is primarily Victorian London and the fictional island of Lambeth, where the protagonist, Bella Baxter, is brought to life. The story, based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray, reimagines the Frankenstein myth with a female protagonist navigating a world of strict social control and scientific experimentation. The film adaptation by Yorgos Lanthimos expands this world with surreal and satirical elements, using production design to contrast the clinical sterility of the lab with the chaotic vibrancy of the city. The setting serves as a backdrop for Bella's journey from a childlike state to self-awareness, exploring themes of autonomy and identity.
The production design, led by Shona Heath, earned the film the Academy Award for Best Production Design, creating a tactile and immersive Poor Things setting. The team built massive sets, including the sprawling laboratory and the streets of Victorian London, using a mix of practical effects and CGI. The film's visual language emphasizes the contrast between the rigid, pastel-colored interiors of the upper class and the gritty, organic textures of the lower city. This design choice directly supports the narrative, reflecting Bella's transition from a controlled environment to one of chaotic freedom and sensory discovery.
Key Locations and Their Narrative Role
Victorian London
The city of London in the film is depicted as a labyrinth of narrow alleys, grand institutions, and seedy underbellies, reflecting the era's stark class divisions. The Poor Things setting uses this urban landscape to highlight the hypocrisy of the scientific and social elite, who exploit the vulnerable for their own gain. Bella's exploration of the city is a physical manifestation of her awakening, as she encounters both kindness and cruelty in equal measure. The film's cinematography captures the fog and grime of the period, grounding the surreal story in a gritty, historical reality.
The Island of Lambeth
The fictional island of Lambeth serves as a sanctuary and a prison, a key location in the Poor Things setting where Bella is confined and studied. It is here that Dr. Godwin Baxter conducts his experiments, creating a controlled environment that mimics a natural habitat but is entirely artificial. The island's design, a blend of gothic architecture and lush, overgrown nature, symbolizes the duality of Bella's existence—both a scientific specimen and a living being. This isolated setting allows for a concentrated exploration of her psychological development, away from the corrupting influences of the mainland.
Production and Filming Locations
While the story is set in Victorian England, the Poor Things setting was physically realized through extensive filming in the United Kingdom and Hungary. Principal photography took place at various locations, including the historic buildings of the UK and the elaborate studio sets constructed in Budapest. The film's production team utilized real-world locations to capture the authentic texture of the era, such as the streets of Glasgow standing in for Victorian London. These locations were chosen for their architectural details and ability to support the film's unique visual style, blending historical accuracy with fantastical elements.
The use of real-world locations and detailed sets was crucial in establishing the Poor Things setting as a believable yet heightened reality. The film's production involved a massive effort to recreate the period's aesthetic, from the costumes to the props, all of which contribute to the immersive world. The collaboration between the director and the production designers resulted in a setting that is both a period piece and a surreal dreamscape, enhancing the film's satirical and philosophical themes. This meticulous attention to detail has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike.