The Cinematic Schematic is back to crack open one of the most eccentric minds in popular cinema in our review of the new Yorgos Lanthimos movie, Poor Things, before its theatrical release this Friday. Could his reteaming with Emma Stone be a runaway at the 2024 Oscars?

It's not prestige movie season if we don't bring in the guests best equipped to decide whether Poor Things is wildly impressive genius or pretentious slop. Chelsea Ratterman from Geek Girl Features and The Cinematropolis and Flick Attack contributor Daniel Bokemper join hosts Caleb Masters and Laron Chapman to dissect and discuss each of its most peculiar ideas and deadpan moments.

Before jumping into the review, the panel has an ice-breaker discussion by answering the questions--what is your favorite piece of steampunk fiction?

After providing listeners with a little more context on our preferences related to the genre, we provide our spoiler-free review and cover topics including:

- Our overall thoughts on Yorgos Lanthimos's past films

- How likely Emma Stone is to win an Oscar

-  Our letter-grade verdicts

 - Alternate media recommendations for listeners interested in Poor Things

The conversation gets more in-depth during the spoiler section when we dive into the film's subtext and broader themes like:

- Lanthimos's approach to the classic theme of nature vs nurturer

- Poor Things's examination of the connection between identity, gender, and sexual awakening

- Whether or not the film adequately connects its ideas related to polite society and the struggle of lower-class citizens.

Has Lanthimos made another cult hit like The Lobster (2015) or The Favourite (2018), or has Poor Things leaned too heavily into style to become an Oscar darling?

Listen to our review discussion to find out!